January 25, 2019 1.25 pm This story is over 62 months old

Limited prints a fitting tribute to Dambusters

Limited number of special prints are available

A limited number of special prints of a photo called the "Three Sisters" are available. Photo: The Cooke and Connell fundraising team

A group is selling limited prints for the A46 Lancaster sculpture and local charities are inviting people to buy a special copy.

They paid tribute to last surviving Canadian “Dambuster” Fred Sutherland who sadly died this week.

The special prints are signed by himself and George “Johnny” Johnson (MBE, DFM).

Both Johnny and Fred were part of the 617 Squadron that took part in the bombing of the Mohne, Eder, and Scorpe Dams in WWII.

Fred, who was born in Peace River Alberta in Canada in February 1923, died at aged 95 on Monday (January 21)

The last surviving Canadian “Dambuster” Fred Sutherland has died. Photo: Bomber Command Museum

Limited special prints

A limited number of special prints of a photo called the “Three Sisters” – the last two flying Lancasters (both the UK and Canadian aircraft) together with the last flying Vulcan – are now available.

Both Johnny and Fred were part of the 617 Squadron that took part in the bombing of the Mohne, Eder, and Scorpe Dams in WWII.

Former Lincoln Mayor’s Officer Joe Cooke MBE, along with former city Sheriff Frank Connell, have been fundraising for local and national charities for over 30 years.

The Cooke and Connell fundraising team own the rights to the “Three Sisters” photo. The second edition picture is 16.5 x 11.75 inches. The print also bears the signatures of current and retired crews of the iconic aircraft.

Copies can be purchased by cash, cheque or postal order to the value of £33.50 (including postage and packaging). New Theatre Royal in Lincoln also has copies for sale.

Cheques/postal orders need made payable to Cooke & Connell Fundraisers and sent to the following address: Mrs P Carter, Secretary, Cooke & Connell Fundraisers, 28 Waddingworth Grove, Lincoln, LNS 2BH.

One of the main beneficiaries will be the Bomber County Gateway Trust’s project to build a Lancaster Bomber Sculpture off the A46 in Lincoln. The 26 metre long sculpture will be mounted on a steel frame to give the impression it is in flight.


Joe Cooke and Frank Connell with the Three Sisters print and the “Lancometer”. Photo: The Cooke and Connell fundraising team

The Cooke and Connell team are helping to raise money with a “Lancometer” to show the progress of the fundraising.

Also to benefit will be the Lincoln Women’s Refuge, the Lincoln Aviation Heritage Centre for further development at the East Kirkby premises and the proposed construction of facilities for disabled visitors at Lincoln United’s football ground.