Maximum Effort

Overall size: 28" x 20" Image size: 25¾" x 12¾"

Based at Ludford Magna, Lincolnshire from June 1943, 101 Squadron was selected to test new equipment designed to jam the VHF frequencies used by German fighter controllers. A system, code-named "Airborne Cigar" or ABC for short, was operated by a eighth crew member - the Special Operator on board the Lancaster bomber who could understand German and listen into the German controller's transmissions, jamming them before they alerted their night fighters to the position of the bombers. ABC soon proved its worth and from October 1943 101 Sqn. ABC aircraft flew with all Bomber Command main force attacks, consequently 101 Squadron suffered higher losses than other 1 Group Squadrons. In an attempt to reduce the losses the Squadron was the first to be fitted with twin 0.5 browning machine guns in the rear turret.

Only a handful of airfields were equipped with a fog dispersal system known as F.I.D.O. The fact that Ludford Magna was one of the chosen few is a measure of the importance attached to 101 Sqn.

ALL the prints have been signed 11 former 101 ‘Special Duties' squadron aircrew. Biographical details on each man will be sent along with your print
and Certificate of Authenticity.

Please click here to view print signatories