70th anniversary of raid on Amiens Jail to be marked

ORIGINAL ARTICLE : On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the raid on Amiens jail led by Group Captain Percy Pickard DSO** DFC (G26-32), Patrick Taylor (K43-46) is generously donating to the College an original painting of that historic event. This painting measures approximately 4 feet by 5 feet and is an oil, commissioned by Patrick himself, and painted by Graham Coton. Its excellent detail is attributed to the fact that the artist was a pilot. There will be a formal presentation in the Chapel on 11 February 2014 at 11.45am, when the Headmaster will say a few words about the raid and will introduce and thank Patrick publicly. It is described as a really wonderful painting, and Patrick and the College have identified where it will hang after the presentation. There are also personal connotations to this story as Patrick remembers sitting at a desk with Pickard’s name carved on it, and also remembers Pickard’s visit when he came to talk to members of the College. Patrick is also donating his copy of the film “Target for Tonight”, videos of 2 TV films on Amiens and a recent book about the controversy of the raid.


Anyone interested in attending this special service should contact Jane Easey at the College.


You can read more here on Pickard’s amazing life and see a larger picture of the painting.