Recreate Your Favourite Locos and Aircraft
All our standard designs can be fully personalised!!
The British 14th Army are often overshadowed in the stories of World War II history. I created this commemorative design to commemorate the significant contributions the XIVth Army made to the Allied victory.
I have 2 close relatives who served in the Far East theatre of operations in World War 2. I have always wanted to commemorate their struggles.
One relative was a Leading Aircraftman in the RAF and was captured by the Japanese literally days after they launched their surprise invasions. He was in a POW camp near Nagasaki when the bomb went off and wasn’t liberated until the end of August 1945.
The other was the leader of a mortar platoon who saw action from the very start to the end of the campaign including action at Imphal.
This blog post to announce the ‘Never Forgotten’ design commemorates and honours their bravery and resilience.
If you have little knowledge of the Burma Campaign, here is a brief overview.
The Burma Campaign was a series of gruelling battles fought in what was then, the British colony of Burma, now Myanmar, from December 1941 to August 1945. It was one of the longest and most difficult campaigns of world War 2.
The Burma campaign began with a swift and brutal invasion by the Japanese forces. The British Army was quickly pushed back into India. The surprise Japanese attack and its swiftness, marked a low point for the British forces and was seen as a humiliating defeat. It did however, set the stage for a remarkable comeback.
The terrain in Burma posed a formidable challenge. Soldiers had to navigate through dense jungles, cross steep mountains, and endure heavy monsoon rains that made movement of men and supplies almost impossible for months on end. These harsh environmental conditions tested the mettle of even the most hardened soldiers.
The ferocity of the Japanese soldiers added another layer of difficulty. Unlike their German counterparts, who (mostly) adhered to a code of conduct in warfare, the Japanese were feared for their merciless tactics and stubborn determination to attack even in the face of devastating losses. They showed little regard for the rules of war, often treating prisoners of war with extreme cruelty.
Despite these challenges, the British 14th Army regrouped and launched a counter-offensive. The turning point came in 1944 at the Battles of Imphal and Kohima. Here, the 14th Army, despite being outnumbered, managed to halt the Japanese advance into India. This victory marked a high point in the campaign and was a huge achievement for the 14th Army.
The term “Forgotten Army” was first used by the army’s commander, Lieutenant General William Slim, during a speech in 1945. He felt that the 14th Army’s efforts were overlooked as their campaign was overshadowed by other events in the war, such as the Normandy landings.
This forgotten tag was reinforced in the troops minds upon their eventual return to the UK. Many didn’t return to UK shores until mid 1946. By this time, the euphoria of winning the war in Europe had subsided. Peoples minds were on recovering from 6 years of war on the home front and the incredible rebuilding program that was needed.
Upon their arrival there was very little fanfare, flag-waving or ceremony. Indeed a common theme I heard from veterans was that only the Salvation Army were there to receive them as they disembarked the troop ships.
To honour the bravery and sacrifice of the British 14th Army, I created an embroidered design featuring the ubiquitous ‘Slouch’ hat worn by the troops resting on the words ‘Never Forgotten’.
The design is available on our full range of clothing, making it an ideal gift for history enthusiasts or for those with a personal connection to the 14th Army.
The British 14th Army played a crucial role in World War II, but their story is often overlooked. I’d like my design to serve as a tribute to these brave soldiers, ensuring that the “Forgotten Army” will be remembered for generations to come.
Thanks for reading
Gary
Calling all aviation enthusiasts looking for a stylish way to showcase your love for classic military aircraft.
With winter just around the corner, our new beanie hat, scarf, and glove winter sets will keep you warm during your visits to your favorite airfield.
Our exclusive Classic Military Aircraft Clothing designs feature iconic aircraft from around the world, allowing you to celebrate your aviation passion in style.
Our beanie hat, scarf, and glove winter sets are the perfect addition to any aviation enthusiast’s wardrobe.
Choose your favorite aircraft and have it beautifully embroidered on the beanie hat and scarf.
The gloves are available in small, medium, and large sizes, ensuring a comfortable fit for everyone.
Choose between navy blue or black colours.
With our Classic Military Aircraft range, you have over 30 aircraft types to choose from including
Each aircraft is meticulously embroidered with stunning detail, including the name of the plane.
If your favorite aircraft isn’t listed, don’t worry, simply select the ‘Request New Type’ option and we’ll create a design for you!
Feel truly connected to your favorite aircraft with our extensive range which ensures that there’s something for everyone!
We believe that comfort is just as important as style. That’s why our beanie hats are made from 100% soft touch acrylic, providing a cozy and warm feel.
The scarves are crafted from 100% polyester anti-pill Suprafleece®, ensuring durability and protection against the cold.
The gloves are also made from 100% polyester, offering flexibility and insulation. With our winter sets, you can stay warm without compromising on comfort or quality whilst enjoying your next airfield visit.
All the embroidered designs on our winter sets are created and copyrighted by ©GDMK Images. We take pride in offering exclusive and unique designs that you won’t find anywhere else.
Our attention to detail and commitment to quality ensure that each embroidery captures the essence of the aircraft, making it a truly special piece for any aviation enthusiast.
To make your shopping experience even more convenient, all prices include shipping to Mainland UK addresses.
So you can order your favorite Classic Military Aircraft Beanie Hat Scarf and Glove Winter Set without worrying about additional costs.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to showcase your love for classic military aircraft while staying warm and stylish during the winter months.
Q/A:
Thanks for reading and please dont hesitate to get in touch with any questions!
Stay Safe
Gary
After a protracted design evolution, I have added the B-17G Flying Fortress to the Classic Military Aircraft range.
There are 2 versions of the B-17 to choose from
The B-17G was the final version of Flying Fortress which incorporated all the improvements from earlier models and boasted 13 guns for defence against fighters.
B-17s were used by the USAAF as a strategic daytime bomber to complement the night time RAF Bomber Command bombing raids.
The 94th Bomb Group were based at Rougham and the 100th Bomb Group at Thorpe Abbotts and were part of the 8th Air Force.
The 100th Bomb Group earned the nickname ‘The Bloody Hundredth’ after heavy losses during several missions over Germany.
The B-17G is available on the full range of clothing, hats and bags, a selection of which are shown below.
The B-17 design is part of our extremely popular personalised range where you can change the base aircraft design to a squadron with markings of your choice along with personalised wording above and/or below the design.
We continue to expand the aircraft and loco designs available.
Recently we have added the following new aircraft and squadron variations following customer requests –
Aircraft Types Coming Soon –
New loco classes in the works include –
You can see these designs at the following upcoming shows
Stay safe and enjoy the mini heatwave whilst it lasts !!
Cheers Gary
Hi everyone, welcome to the GDMK Images July 2022 news update!
There are a number of important things to bring you up to date with.
Earlier this year, we encountered intermittent problems with our T-Shirt printing equipment. The long and short of the situation is that, despite a lot of support from the supplier and manufacturer, the equipment is not economically viable to repair.
Unfortunately this means the following items are discontinued –
Earlier this year you may know we were advised by our blanks suppliers about supply chain delays. After a period of relative stability, our suppliers have advised us of more short notice delays to incoming blank products.
Particularly affected are certain colour combinations of Varsity Jackets and Hoodies. In some cases one particular group of colours wont be arriving into the UK until Jan 2023 if you can believe that!!!
As an example, a customer ordered a particular hoodie colour combination in October last year. We were advised of a delay, so the customer opted to change colour combination to avoid a delay. The batch of hoodies finally arrived at the end of May! The supply chain issues are still very real and affecting every aspect of our lives unfortunately.
Also affected to a lesser extent are mousemats, wallets and, in particular, certain iPhone and Samsung phone cases.
Please bear in mind we have access to many suppliers for all our products and we can usually source a blank from somewhere when our main suppliers are out of stock.
Please note, we will not sacrifice the quality of the products we supply. There are other suppliers that supply blanks which are not of the standard we usually supply – that is fine and there is nothing wrong with that – but having established a solid reputation for quality products, we wont sacrifice that by short cutting quality and using cheaper quality items.
Please accept our apologies in advance for these potential delays and inconvenience.
I have long wanted to offer laser etched products. I am delighted to announce a collaboration with JAM Arts who will be producing laser etched renditions of some of our iconic designs on a great range of new and novel gift products.
We trialled a small number of items at both East Kirkby and Cosford airshow. The products were exceptionally well received, witnessed by selling out within an hour of being put out on the stall!!
Needless to say, the success has encouraged us to add them as standard lines to the online shop over the coming weeks and months!
Keep an eye out for an upcoming post that will showcase the products and designs!
Following many requests and successful tests on the stall, we will shortly be adding embroidered t-shirts to our product lines. A nice lightweight alternative to our ever popular polos shirts, you will soon be able to get all your favourite designs on a t-shirt!
The brand we use has been tested for washability and shrink resistance and has received great feedback from customers who who have bought them from the stall.
Customers report the t-shirts was really well, keep their colour and no shrinking after multiple washes!
We have been really pleased to receive many, many requests for personalised clothing tributes from customers.
Many of these involve new World War 2 aircraft types and Squadron variations.
We add these aircraft and squadrons (albeit with different aircraft markings and codes to protect the uniqueness of the customers personalised designs) as options to the Classic Military Aircraft range.
Added recently, or to be added shortly are the following aircraft types and squadrons
Thanks for reading and dont hesitate to give me a shout if you have any questions about the topics discussed above.
We really appreciate your support so far in 2022.
Dont forget our Facebook page, drop by and join in the discussion!
Stay safe
Gary and Dawn
We are delighted to announce our popular Sherman Tank, Willys Jeep and Challenger Tank embroidered clothing have been added to the online clothing collection.
All 3 military vehicles were available to buy at shows last year and you can now buy them online as part of our Military Vehicle Clothing range.
As mentioned above, the 3 military vehicles added are –
Below are a selection of the garments!
We launched another design in our Commemorative Clothing Range a few weeks ago – the Falklands War 40th Anniversary designs which featured 4 Iconic aircraft types involved in the conflict –
Our next show is the Lanc, Tank and Military Machine show at East Kirkby on the 2nd & 3rd June. We will have plenty of these garments for sale so you can see them in the flesh there!
Thanks for reading and hopefully we might see you at East Kirkby in a couple of weeks!
Stay safe
Gary
Following a number of personalised aircraft requests, I have added some new aircraft types and Squadron options to the Classic Military Aircraft clothing range. This update includes the first helicopter – the Apache AH1.
The latest aircraft types added are –
Just recently I have had some great personalised requests including –
In turn, these designs will be recoded with personalisation’s removed and added as Squadron options to these existing aircraft types.
I’m still breaking each aircraft type down into its own single product for each type of clothing. In the meantime, all of the new options can be ordered from the main Personalised Aircraft Clothing Section and selected as an option on the dropdown list.
There you can choose your aircraft type and Squadron and request any personalised wording or new Squadron options.
[ux_stack] [ux_image_box img=”75977″ link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/product-category/clothing/personalised-aviation-clothing/”]The secretive U-2 has joined the CMA range
[/ux_image_box] [ux_image_box img=”75745″ link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/product-category/clothing/personalised-aviation-clothing/” text_padding=”135px px 0px 0px”]Based on 68-0040 with the Tiger styled fin tip flash.
[/ux_image_box] [ux_image_box img=”76334″ link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/product-category/clothing/personalised-aviation-clothing/” text_padding=”135px 0px 0px 0px”]Our 1st helicopter design is the potent Apache AH1
[/ux_image_box] [/ux_stack] [button text=”See All Our Aviation clothing designs now !!” style=”shade” size=”larger” radius=”10″ depth=”4″ depth_hover=”5″ expand=”true” link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/product-category/clothing/aviation-clothing/”]There are still plenty more designs in the works so keep checking back.
Thanks for reading and stay safe!!
Gary
The first new aircraft type we have added during this update is the Handley Page Hampden.
The Hampden was was introduced in 1936 and was used extensively during the early years of Bomber Commands offensive against German Forces.
A relatively small aircraft, the Hampden was not a huge success and was relegated to Coastal Command and secondary duties as more capable aircraft such as the Lancasters and Halifaxes were introduced into service.
The Hampden depicted in our design is from 44 Squadron and is coded KM-M
[ux_products equalize_box=”true” cat=”5027″ orderby=”rand” tags=”12304″]The second new aircraft type added in this update is the Folland Gnat.
The Folland Gnat was a small jet trainer that may be best remembered as the trusty steed of the Red Arrows aerobatic display team.
The Gnat is reproduced in a high visibility colour scheme featuring bare metal and high visibility orange.
[ux_products equalize_box=”true” cat=”5027″ orderby=”rand” tags=”12310″]Both these new embroidered designs are available on the full range of our embroidered gifts including –
Are you a member of our Facebook Group or Newsletter list?
No? Why not check them out and get access to discounts, competitions and exclusive inside info!!
Thanks for reading and stay safe
Cheers
Gary
Throughout the Summer of 1940, the skies over Southern England were full of duelling aircraft. The ‘Battle of Britain’ was in full swing. The German air campaign was intended as a prelude to a full invasion of England. Following the fall of France earlier in 1940, German high command saw air superiority as essential before any invasion of England. The Royal Air Force had to be destroyed.
The German war machine was highly experienced and well equipped after gaining useful experience in the Spanish Civil War. On the other hand, much of Britains fighting capability was untested and initially inadequate. The swift fall of Europe and the ensuing retreat, culminating in the Dunkirk evacuations, had left Britain reeling.
Over 400 experienced pilots were lost during the Fall of France leaving an already undermanned and inexperienced Air Force potentially weak and exposed.
The Battle of Britain, was in reality, a series of events and phases over the Summer of 1940. There isn’t a clearly defined start date and the phases, with a couple of noted exceptions, blended into each other.
The Luftwaffe commenced a co-ordinated series of air raids over England in early – mid June 1940 and this is recognised as ‘the start’.
A series of raids on Channel shipping in July and August caused heavy losses to RAF aircraft and crews. The Navy stopped all daylight convoy moves as a result but both sides gained valuable experience.
Early August 1940 saw the launch of Adlerangriff or Eagle Day. This was German High Commands concerted attempt to destroy the RAF in Southern England. The anticipation being it would clear the way for attacking RAF bases further North and heavy bombing raids on economic and strategic targets throughout England.
18th August 1940 became known as The Hardest Day and saw the heaviest losses on both sides.
The main fighter aircraft were the Luftwaffe Messerschmitt ME 109E and the Royal Air Force Hurricane and Spitfire.
Many believe the Spitfire was the main RAF aircraft during the Battle of Britain. In reality the Hawker Hurricane was the backbone of the Royal Air Force at that time. Greater numbers of Spitfires became available as 1940 progressed and did eventually help turn the tide in the Royal Air Forces favour.
In the very early days of the battle, Defiants and Blenheims were used in large numbers but were quickly deemed unsuitable against the potent ME109s and BF110s. Losses of these types were very high in terms of aircrew and aircraft.
Luftwaffe bombers incvluded Heinkel 111s, JU87 Stukas, Dornier DO 17s and Junckers JU88s.
The Royal Air Force remained steadfast against the continuing raids. The task of repelling relentless German waves of experienced aircrew with technically superior aircraft was to become the stuff of legend.
Winston Churchill immortalised the aircrew with his famous speech –
[ux_banner height=”500px” bg=”67958″ bg_overlay=”rgba(0,0,0,.5)” bg_pos=”50% 60%”] [text_box position_x=”50″ position_y=”10″]I feel its important to remember and commemorate the huge sacrifices and bravery made by our veterans and have released 4 embroidered commemorative designs –
A 56 Squadron Spitfire ZP-E and 74 Squadron Hurricane US-X complete with ‘The Few’ and Battle of Britain 80 wording
[/ux_image_box] [ux_image_box img=”69978″ link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/buying-pictures-wall-art-gifts/clothing/polo-shirts/battle-of-britain-adversaries-hurricane-vs-heinkel-111-polo-shirt/”]A 74 Squadron Hurricane US-X and Heinkel HE111 aircraft with Battle of Britain 80 wording
[/ux_image_box] [ux_image_box img=”69930″ link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/buying-pictures-wall-art-gifts/clothing/polo-shirts/battle-of-britain-adversaries-spitfire-vs-me109-polo-shirt/”]A 56 Squadron Spitfire ZP-E with ME109E aircraft with Battle of Britain 80 wording
[/ux_image_box] [/ux_stack] [ux_image_box style=”vertical” img=”69853″ image_width=”50″ link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/buying-pictures-wall-art-gifts/clothing/aviation-clothing/battle-of-britain-80th-anniversary-hurricane-aircrew-varsity-jacket/”]A 615 Squadron Hurricane KW-Z overflying a resting aircrew
[/ux_image_box]The Few and both ‘Adversary’ designs will be available on all of our standard clothing garments and bags.
The ‘Aircrew’ design is by far the largest and most complex embroidery released by us so far.
It will be available on the back of our Varsity and Fleece jackets.
The Hurricane and Spitfire will be added as options to our extremely popular Classic Military Aircraft range.
If you arent aware, I have a growing range of aircraft types available which depict aircraft and their service dates. The range is extremely popular and the design can be fully personalised with your choice of Squadron colours, aircraft coding and wording.
Just last week I did a repeat order for a Buccaneer Veteran with personalised Red Flag detailing and also a 31 Squadron Tornado GR1 veteran!
The Heinkel HE111 and Messerschitt ME109 designs will be the first non Royal Air Force aircraft types added to the Classic Military Aircraft range.
If you have any questions regarding any of these designs, please dont hesitate to contact me.
Thanks for reading and stay safe
Cheers
Gary
[divider align=”center” width=”150px”]I am delighted to announce the launch of our VJ Day 75th Anniversary clothing designs.
August 15th 2020 marks the 75th Anniversary of the surrender of Japanese Forces and the conclusion of World War 2.
The Burma Campaign for British Forces, and the parallel Pacific Campaign for US forces, were hugely devastating and costly campaigns. Both are often overshadowed by the European theatre of operations.
War in the Far East was a completely different type of conflict compared to the European conflict. The Japanese were ruthless and fought with a tenacity, and some might say cruelty, that is only truly understood by those who were exposed to it.
My tribute to the Far East Veterans features a large VJ in green to represent the Jungle. Perched on top of the V is a WW2 ‘Slouch’ style bush hat with a 14th Army badge. The ‘Slouch’ is the hat seen in all pictures featuring soldiers during the Burma Campaign.
Below the design are the words ‘Never Forgotten’ in tribute to those Veterans and to ensure going forward, their fight and struggle will remain in our memories.
[button text=”See All VJ DAY 75 Designs Now!!” style=”shade” size=”larger” radius=”10″ depth=”4″ depth_hover=”5″ expand=”true” link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/product-category/clothing/commemorative-clothing-designs/vj-day-75-commemorative-designs/”] [ux_products type=”grid” grid=”3″ equalize_box=”true” products=”5″ orderby=”date” order=”DESC” tags=”760″]Many Burma Campaign veterans felt they were the ‘Forgotten Army’.
With the European War finishing in May 1945, many veterans were beginning to return home in the Autumn and Winter of 1945.
Many of the Far East veterans didn’t start arriving home until the spring and Summer of 1946, by which point those at home were beginning to ‘move on’.
Whilst many from the European theatre returned home to heroes welcomes, street parties and such like, Far East veterans returned home to virtually no fanfare.
Indeed I have heard tales, where the only people to meet a veteran upon their return, was a Salvation Army worker.
[divider align=”center” width=”150px”]** Flash Sales **
Our flash sales on Facebook, Instagram and our email newsletters have been going down a storm so check our social media to grab a bargain!
1st to claim an item gets it – simple as that!
Here is the link to our latest production update and addresses how the lockdown situation is affecting our operations and your orders.
All the best for now and I look forward to hearing your feedback on our new face masks – stay safe!!!
Gary
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Don’t panic Captain Mainwaring, we’ve got your face (masks) covered!!
With the new COVID face mask regulations coming in to force we thought it was time to offer you some cool face masks
We have previously offered some ‘Keep Calm’ themed aircraft designs and thought these designs might be apt to launch our new range of face masks.
In the initial batch of designs are the following
[ux_products columns=”3″ ids=”69424,69405,69425″]
Here are the specs of our face masks –
We have trialled several different types of face masks, using and washing them extensively prior to settling on the style offered here.
These face masks are comfortable to wear, wash well and the print sits really nicely on the material.
The prints are always on the cheeks of the design so as not to affect the area where you breathe through.
Our face masks are priced at £8 each which includes Postage and Packing to all Mainland UK addresses.
There are literally dozens of railway and aircraft themed face mask designs on the way. I have been busily working away testing new designs, plus converting a few of your solid favourites to a format that will look great on a face mask!
[ux_products style=”normal” auto_slide=”6000″ cat=”11780″ orderby=”rand” order=”DESC”] [divider align=”center” width=”150px”] [button text=”see all face mask designs now” style=”shade” size=”larger” radius=”10″ depth=”4″ depth_hover=”5″ expand=”true” link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/product-category/clothing/face-masks/”]
** Flash Sales **
Our flash sales on Facebook, Instagram and our email newsletters have been going down a storm so check our social media to grab a bargain!
1st to claim an item gets it – simple as that!
Here is the link to our latest production update and addresses how the lockdown situation is affecting our operations and your orders. We are almost back to normal and I will be issuing updated details in the coming few days.
All the best for now and I look forward to hearing your feedback on our new face masks – stay safe!!!
Gary
[divider align=”center” width=”150px”][blog_posts style=”normal” columns__md=”1″ readmore=”Read More …” readmore_color=”alert” image_height=”56.25%”] [divider align=”center” width=”150px”]