The unique collection, by well-known artist David Shepherd, will raise money towards the Bomber Command Memorial Appeal.


A £2million fundraising target been set to create a memorial for the 56,000 aircrew killed during the Second World War.


The paintings have come from RAF stations across the UK and Mr Shepherd's private collection.


The exhibition is open until Friday and is expected to attract up to 3,000 visitors.


Mr Shepherd, 77, told the News: "I can't speak, I'm so excited.


"I feel so strongly that we don't honour our heroes in this country and it's shameful - 56,000 were killed in Bomber Command and I decided to help."


Mr Shepherd painted aviation scenes before his first commission for a wildlife painting from the RAF in Nairobi in 1960.


He painted a rhinoceros chasing a Twin Pioneer aeroplane.


"I owe the RAF a tremendous debt of gratitude," he said.


"The painting changed my life from that moment and people have been queuing up for my paintings."


Mr Shepherd has not seen some of the paintings for decades.


"It's spooky," he said." I'm seeing all my life flashing past me."


Sqn Ldr Al Pinner, of the BBMF, said: "It's a fantastic exhibition.


"It's wonderful to have the opportunity to see these paintings, on different subjects from tigers to Lincoln Cathedral – they will pull the heart strings of all those in bomber county."


A painting entitled Elephants in Front of Mount Kilimanjaro by Mr Shepherd is being raffled for the cause.


Limited edition prints, signed and unsigned, of a painting entitled 'F For Freddie' Did Not Return are also on sale.


"The painting keeps alive the memories of World War Two when Britain was on its knees," commented Mr Shepherd. "The Battle of Britain saved our lives."


To top off the exhibition week, a fundraising banquet for 172 guests will be held on Friday at the Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa where Mr Shepherd will be the guest speaker.


Jim Dooley, of 1970s pop band The Dooleys, was at the exhibition launch and is a big supporter of the appeal.


He enlisted the help of The Daily Telegraph to promote the campaign and has a selection of cards based on his photographs on sale at the BBMF.
Admission to the exhibition is £10 and concessions £8. To book call 07917 595075.


* Do you support the bid for a Bomber Command memorial?
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