As we draw closer to the 81st anniversary of D-Day this June, the kinfolk of a Lancaster bomber pilot, lauded for initiating the pivotal attack on the Normandy coastline, are asking for assistance in locating a lost painting of his aircraft. Kenyon Bowen-Bravery, who hailed from Cardiff, began his service with the RAF in September 1941 and later joined the 550 Squadron based in North Killingholme. It was here, in December 1943, that he and his crew embarked on their mission to France in Lancaster LL811 on June 5, 1944, the eve of the renowned D-Day. The bomber, aptly named Bad Penny II, was responsible for the first wave of bombs that marked the commencement of Operation Overlord, the most significant liberation armada in military history. At the tender age of 21, Flying Officer Bowen-Bravery, later promoted to Squadron Leader, was awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French government in honour of his and his crew’s bravery. Today, one of his daughters, Katy Bowen-Bravery, is reaching out for help to track down a painting of the bomber that mysteriously disappeared years ago. With the anniversaries of D-Day and VE Day approaching, Katy is making one final attempt to locate this iconic painting of her father’s plane and is appealing for the public’s assistance through Grimsby Live. The painting, a vibrant depiction of Bad Penny II over the French coast, once graced the front pages of several newspapers. The Bowen-Bravery family would be enormously grateful to anyone who can help in locating this lost piece of their family history.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.
