Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "Hugh Trenchard and DH9A" Original Watercolor on paper painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Great Britain 29p Lord Trenchard/DH9A stamp issued September 16, 1986. Hugh Trenchard was commissioned in the British Army in 1891 and served with distinction in Great Britain's colonial forces. Realizing the potential of military aviation, Trenchard resolved to learn to fly in 1912. Within a week, he soloed and earned his military pilot rating. At the outbreak of World War I, Trenchard was installed as 3 Commandant of the Military Wing, Royal Flying Corps and commanded the first Royal Flying Corps (RFC) wing in France. Knighted in 1918, Trenchard insisted on the highest training standards, on finding the best men and machines and setting up schools to meet his exacting criteria. One plane which Hugh Trenchard held in high esteem was the DH9A. The plane was produced in 1918 as a replacement for the DH4 and DH8 bombers and was designed around its four-hundred horsepower Liberty engine. Some DH9A 's reached France before the Armistice of November 1918 and were used by Royal Air Force squadrons and the First United States Marine Aviation Force to wreak havoc with the enemy. After World War I, the DH9A was used by RAF squadrons at home, in India, Egypt and Iraq. After long service as a hard-working general purpose aircraft, the DH9A was withdrawn in 1931. Image Size: 11.75 x 14 in. Overall Size: 14.25 x 18.5 in. Unframed. (B10537)