Black Buck 1

I got this print in an auction at the AGM & Reunion of the RAF Masirah and RAF Salalah Association 2013. A bargain at £25.00 I think. It says 'Limited Edition' but there's no edition number (XX of YY type thing) so I don't know how much it might be worth on the open market but more than I paid.

It shows Avro Vulcan B2 XM607 (Now a static display at RAF Waddington) as it proceeded towards the Falkland Islands 30 April/01 May 1982. Take off was just before Midnight on the 30 April and the mission took a total of 15 hours and 50 minutes flying time for the Vulcan and it's crew.
BLACK BUCK MISSIONS carried out totalled 7 with 3 being aborted due to bad weather, strong head winds and a broken refuelling probe on one mission (Number 6 with XM597) which resulting in a diversion to Rio de Janeiro. The crew were held until the cessation of hostilities 9 days later. They were treated very badly by the Brazilian Air Force being subjected to visits to the Copocabana Night Club and having to live in the Officers mess during their internment!! (For anyone who didn't get it that was a little sarcasm creeping in, they had the time of their lives for that 9 days).

Flt Lt Martin Withers, Captain of XM607, was awarded the DFC  for his part in the first raid, not only because of the herculean feat of the journey, the raid and the risks but partly because of the heroism in knowing they had not been given enough fuel to complete the mission. Before they got the Falklands he asked the crew whether they wanted to turn back or press on knowing they would have to ditch in the middle of the Atlantic, and most certainly die.
They all elected to push on with the mission despite the fact they had to observe radio silence and could not let base (Ascension Island) know they did not have enough fuel.
As it happens, on the return leg they were met by a Victor refuelling aircraft just as they were thinking about preparing to ditch.
Needless to say, Martin Withers and Bob Tuxford (Victor pilot) are very good friends to this day.

This print includes the signature of Martin Withers (bottom right Corner) and I hope to catch Bob Tuxford at Bruntingthorpe Cold War Jets day.
The other signature is Harry Irons, Avro Lancaster Rear Gunner WW2, who was guest of honour at the AGM where I got the print.