STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Clearing the Path to Utah" by Artist Craig Tinder

Now available in two exclusive formats: a 30"x20" Hardwood Framed Canvas Edition - Limited to Only 20 and an 18"x12" Canvas (Framed or Unframed) - Limited to Only 30. Each art piece includes an AUTHENTIC RELIC, Certificate of Authenticity, and is hand-signed by the Artist. Quantities are extremely limited—Once They're Sold Out, They're Gone!

This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder pays tribute to the pilots and crews of the 394th Bombardment Group during 6 June 1944, D-Day.

The Story Behind the Print: 

In the early hours of D-Day, June 6, 1944, while the world’s attention focused on the Allied invasion of Normandy, aircraft from all over England were preparing in support missions. Two American B-26 Marauders, B-26F 42-96263 ("Spooky") and B-26B 42-96050, from the 394th Bombardment Group, 587th Bombardment Squadron, were en route to support the invasion when they collided mid-air at approximately 5:05 AM. Poor weather conditions, including limited visibility, clouds, and light rain, were believed to be contributing factors in the accident. Eyewitness reports were limited, but hearsay indicated that one aircraft was flying beneath the overcast sky while the other descended from a black cloud, leading to the tragic collision.

The 394th Bombardment Group was tasked with a vital mission in support of the D-Day landings: to neutralize German gun batteries at Saint-Martin-de-Varreville, located just off Utah Beach in Normandy.

The B-26 Marauders of Formation Box III set course for the gun batteries shortly before the first waves of Allied troops landed on the beaches. Despite heavy flak from German anti-aircraft defenses, most of the squadron successfully completed their bombing runs, ensuring that the batteries would not interfere with the landings below.

Tragically, however, two aircraft—B-26F 42-96263 and B-26B 42-96050—never reached their target. Shortly after takeoff, these two Marauders collided mid-air over Gillingham, Kent, England.

Visit the Journal to read the full story!

Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors

This item is handmade by artist, Craig Tinder. Available to ship worldwide!

ABOUT THE RELIC

This original aluminum fragment is from B-26F 42-96263 "Spook" which took off from RAF Boreham at 5:05am on 6 June 1944. Due to poor visibility that morning, eyewitness testimony saw two B-26s break from a large dark cloud and collide over Gillingham, Kent, England. Both aircraft, B-26F 42-96263 (Aircraft: 5W-S) and B-26B 42-96050 (Aircraft: 5W-L) were en route to attack enemy gun positions just behind Utah Beach.  

Clearing the Path to Utah - B-26 Marauder Aviation Art-Art Print-Aces In Action: The Workshop of Artist Craig TinderB-26F serial number 42-96263 airframe fragment

This fragment along with many other recovered aircraft components were acquired by Aces In Action in 2022 and were originally on display at the Blake Hall Airscene Collection, Essex, UK. To further this story of rememberance, Artist, Craig Tinder depicted a scene of that very bomb squadron making their way to the shores of Normandy.Clearing the Path to Utah - B-26 Marauder Aviation Art-Art Print-Aces In Action: The Workshop of Artist Craig Tinder"Clearing the Path to Utah" Framed Canvas with Relic

MATERIAL & DISPLAY

PREMIUM ALUMINUM

Our newest presentation format delivers exceptional color, contrast, and fine detail on a smooth gloss surface. The result has a luminous quality and clarity that is difficult to fully capture in photographs. Framed aluminum editions are finished in a solid black frame for a clean, contemporary presentation.

TRADITIONAL CANVAS

The original Aces In Action presentation features gallery-wrapped canvas, with framed editions presented in our traditional black floater frame. Canvas offers a classic, textured fine-art presentation and remains available on select Relic Artwork editions while inventory lasts.

AVAILABLE SIZES & FORMATS

  • 18" × 12" (45.7 × 30.5 cm) — Premium Aluminum or Canvas; available framed or unframed
  • 30" × 20" (76.2 × 50.8 cm) — Premium Aluminum or Canvas; framed
  • 36" × 12" (91.4 × 30.5 cm) — Panoramic Premium Aluminum or Canvas; framed on select artwork

READY TO HANG

Every Relic Artwork edition arrives ready to hang. Unframed 18" × 12" editions include a rear wall-mount bracket, while framed editions arrive with hanging hardware installed. No additional framing or mounting is required before display.

ABOUT CRAIG TINDER

Craig Tinder is an artist and historical researcher whose work brings significant moments in military and aviation history to life. For more than 20 years, he has combined detailed research with traditional and digital illustration techniques to create historically accurate artwork for collectors, veterans, museums, and historical organizations.

Craig has been commissioned to create artwork, installations, and memorial projects for museums, military organizations, and historical institutions throughout the United States. His work is held in museum and private collections around the world, reflecting a career built around historical accuracy, craftsmanship, and preserving the stories behind the subjects he depicts.

Every Aces In Action artwork is created by Craig Tinder, making Aces In Action the official home of his historical artwork and collectibles.

Meet Craig Tinder →

SHIPPING & CARE

SHIPPING

Each Relic Artwork edition is individually handcrafted and completed by Craig Tinder. From engraving and assembling the Artifact Dock to preparing the relic, framing the artwork when selected, and completing the final inspection and packaging, every piece is finished specifically for its collector. Please allow additional time for this hands-on process before your artwork ships.

Gift wrapping is available for Relic Artwork, making it ready for presentation upon arrival.

DISPLAY & CARE

All Relic Artwork arrives ready to display. Unframed 18" × 12" editions include a rear wall-mount bracket, while framed editions arrive with hanging hardware installed.

Premium Relic Artwork editions are designed for long-term display. Keep artwork away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive moisture, and extreme temperature changes. Dust gently with a clean, soft, dry cloth and avoid household cleaners or abrasive materials on the artwork, frame, relic, or Artifact Dock.

THE RELIC ARTWORK EXPERIENCE

Authentic History

Each edition incorporates an authentic historical relic, presented on a custom laser-engraved Artifact Dock with details connecting the artifact to its history.

Handmade by Craig Tinder

Every Relic Artwork edition is assembled in Craig's studio, where it is signed, numbered, crafted, inspected, and prepared for its collector.

Made for Collectors

From the Certificate of Authenticity to the finished presentation, each detail is designed to create a collectible that preserves a tangible connection to history.