Local Artist presents painting to Assault Glider Trust

From Left: Wg Cdr Tim Owens, Martin Locke, David Thorpe, Tim Jenkins, Rachael Abbiss and SqnLdr Jim Vince.

The Assault Glider Trust and RAF Shawbury were recently presented with a large painting depicting the work carried out by the Charity. The artist, Mr David Thorpe, has produced a number of fantastic pieces for the Trust over the years and this is yet another achievement. This latest painting shows work progressing on the Horsa, Waco and Tiger Moth in the workshop based at Shawbury. Individuals that appear in the painting are Major Ray Conningham, the founder and original Chairman of the project, chatting to actor Richard Todd, who famously played the role of Major John Howard in the film the ‘Longest Day’. Richard actually parachuted into the battle as part of the Airborne Forces on D-Day. Also portrayed in the picture are Brigadier Sutcliffe, the President of the Glider Pilots Association and Squadron Leader Martin Locke of the Trust. Finally, a Veteran of Arnhem (Market Garden) and the Rhine Crossing (Op. Varsity), Arthur Shackleton is portrayed with Lieutenant Colonel Nicholls, the Chairman of the Glider Pilots Association. The Picture will be hung in the Officers’ Mess at the airbase.