ABOUT THE ARTWORK

"Crossing Through The Canyon" 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 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 41-28731named 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!

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.