July 1944. Lieutenant Ian Smith of 237 (Rhodesia) Squadron RAF attacks a railyard in the Po Valley, Italy.

Please note: this signature by such a high profile and controversial politician is especially collectable, and not just by aviation art enthusiasts! It is certain to gain in value for this factor alone. At the time of release, there were ONLY THIRTY OF THESE LEFT!

Also, this is a specially commissioned painting. The bulk of the prints are also a SPECIALLY COMMISSIONED BENEFIT RELEASE for ex-Rhodesian WWII veterans. These are 500 Limited Editions signed by Mr. Smith for private sale only, and not through the publisher.

Signatures

These prints were signed by Ian Smith this month in Capetown, South Africa, where he lives in retirement.

The Story

July 1944. Lieutenant Ian Smith of 237 (Rhodesia) Squadron , R.A.F., attacks a railyard in the Po Valley, Italy. Lieutenant Smith went on to become the Prime Minister of Rhodesia,  Africa (now Zimbabwe), in April, 1964. On November 11, 1965, he declared Rhodesia's independence from Britain, the first commonwealth Prime Minister to do so. During this attack, Lt. Smith was shot down by flak and fought on with the Italian partisans, before returning to England. Hon. I.D. Smith, GCLM, ID.