STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Crossing Through The Canyon" by Artist Craig Tinder

This signed and numbered limited-edition relic artwork is offered in Heritage Alloy™ and original Gallery-Wrapped Canvas presentations. The 18×12 edition is limited to 30 total pieces, and the 30×20 edition is limited to 20 total pieces. Each artwork includes an authentic historical relic and Certificate of Authenticity and is hand-signed by artist Craig Tinder.

This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder honors the crew of B-24H Liberator 41-28731 and the bomber crews of 392nd Bombardment Group (Heavy) from the United States 8th Air Force.

The Story Behind the Print:

Before joining the 392nd Bomb Group, B-24H-10-DT 41-28731, named Picadilly Lilly served with the 467th Bombardment Group, known as the "Rackheath Aggies," flying out of RAF Rackheath, England. One notable mission occurred on 31 May 1944, when 491 B-24 Liberators from various bomb groups, including the 467th, took off to target critical rail infrastructure in France and Belgium. Despite meticulous planning and early morning preparations, this mission did not go as planned.

Radio Operator Anthony V. Bell of the 467th Bomb Group vividly recounted the experience. "Got up at 0330. Briefing at 0430. Today we had 2,000 lb. bombs for the first time! Boy, what monsters. Took off on time and formed OK and took off on course at about 10:00. There is nothing beautiful about War, so I thought. But today I saw a spectacle I know very few eyes have seen. Beautiful white billowing clouds, 25,000 feet hight! The biggest thing in the world, I'm sure! We had to come back without hitting the target. We couldn't get over the clouds. It was like flying in canyons! And what a canyon! Big enough for 1,000 airplanes to fly through. That's all for today --- Day off tomorrow."

Bell described the clouds as a surreal and awe-inspiring sight, a rare moment of beauty amidst the ugliness of war. "It was like flying in canyons," he noted in his log, the clouds forming massive, towering formations through which hundreds of bombers navigated. While no bombs were dropped, the mission left an indelible impression on those who flew it, a reminder that even in the chaos of war, nature could present moments of breathtaking wonder.

The 467th Bomb Group, operating from RAF Rackheath, played a significant role in the air war over Europe. Known for their expertise with the B-24 Liberator, the group flew a total of 212 missions, completing 5,538 sorties during their service. Their contribution to the Allied bombing campaign was critical, helping to weaken Nazi supply lines and support ground operations in France and beyond. Picadilly Lillie was just one of many aircraft that helped the 467th build its impressive combat record before the plane was later transferred to the 392nd Bomb Group.

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

These aluminum remnants come from the B-24H-10-DT 41-28731, a bomber from the 392nd Bomb Group that was tragically lost during a formation practice mission on 5 July 1944. The aircraft was involved in a mid-air collision near the village of Foxley, Norfolk, England. Crash site of B-24H-10-DT 41-28731

On the day of the incident, the 392nd Bomb Group participated in a large-scale practice mission, involving multiple combat wings. The goal was to improve formation flying and bombing accuracy, as new crews and element leaders honed their skills for combat. The planes were to simulate a bombing run over the Suttonbridge airfield, flying at an altitude of 14,500 feet. 41-28731 was one of 36 planes from the 392nd Bomb Group taking part in this exercise.

The relics include fragments of outer aluminum and engine components and were recovered in 2004.Ground dug relics from B-24H-10-DT 41-28731

MATERIAL & DISPLAY

HERITAGE ALLOY™

Heritage Alloy™ is the next generation of Aces In Action Relic Artwork. Made from a rigid aluminum composite material, its smooth surface delivers exceptional color, contrast, and fine detail with a luminous quality that is difficult to fully capture in photographs.

Each Heritage Alloy™ edition incorporates our exclusive Artifact Dock™, integrating the authentic historical relic, its provenance, and limited-edition identification directly into the artwork. Available Ready to Hang or finished in a solid black wood frame.

GALLERY-WRAPPED CANVAS

Select Relic Artwork editions remain available on our traditional gallery-wrapped canvas while inventory lasts. Canvas provides a classic, textured fine-art presentation and is available Ready to Hang or finished in our traditional black floater frame.

AVAILABLE SIZES & FORMATS

  • 18" × 12" (45.7 × 30.5 cm) — Heritage Alloy™ or Gallery-Wrapped Canvas; Ready to Hang or Framed
  • 30" × 20" (76.2 × 50.8 cm) — Heritage Alloy™ or Gallery-Wrapped Canvas; Framed
  • Custom sizes may be available upon request

READY TO HANG

Every Relic Artwork edition arrives ready for display. 18" × 12" Heritage Alloy™ Ready-to-Hang editions include an installed rear wall-mount bracket, while Gallery-Wrapped Canvas arrives ready to hang without an external frame. Framed editions include installed hanging hardware. No additional framing or mounting is required before display.

RELIC MATERIAL & VARIATION

Unless otherwise stated, the relic included with your artwork is a fragment taken from the larger historical component shown in the reference photos. The size, shape, color, markings, and appearance of each relic may vary based on the original material available. Reference photos are provided to document and illustrate the source of the relic material and may not depict the exact fragment included with your artwork.

ABOUT CRAIG TINDER

ARTIST • HISTORIAN • RELIC CURATOR

Craig Tinder has spent more than two decades creating historically researched artwork that connects collectors with the people, machines, and events that shaped history. His work goes far beyond illustrating an aircraft, ship, or vehicle—the research and historical artifacts behind each piece are an integral part of the artwork.

Craig works with museums, aircraft and vehicle restoration organizations, veterans, historians, collectors, and other historical institutions around the world to locate and document authentic artifacts with meaningful connections to the subjects he depicts. He supplements this physical evidence with extensive research using museum collections, military records, historical photographs, archives, and other primary and secondary sources from around the world.

In his workshop, Craig carefully prepares and incorporates these genuine historical relics into his signed and numbered artwork, preserving their provenance while giving artifacts that might otherwise remain unseen a new way to tell their story.

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.

ACES IN ACTION JOURNAL

Explore Further

Discover the people, missions, machines and events behind this artwork with the complete story in the Aces In Action Journal.

Crossing Through the Canyon: B-24 Liberator 41-28731

Read the Full Story

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.