Happy Return by Robert Taylor
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The Battle of Britain was long over but by the summer of 1942 the fight back against those Luftwaffe units left to defend northern France remained a bitter struggle. Although the pilots of Fighter Command had stopped the enemy in its tracks, seized the initiative and gone on the offensive the previous year, the skies over the Channel and northern France were anything but safe as the ongoing battle continued.
Completed in his accomplished and unmistakable style, Robert Taylor's beautiful drawing Happy Return recreates a small moment of tranquillity during the early summer of 1942. Returning from a fighter sweep, a section of Spitfires from 602 Squadron, led by top Irish Ace and newly-promoted Wing Commander 'Paddy' Finucane DSO DFC**, pass low over an ancient tidal mill as they return home to RAF Redhill. Although low on fuel after the rigours of their recent yet successful encounter with the Luftwaffe, the weary pilots can at last drop to roof-top height to enjoy the stunning view below.
Although many pilots, like Finucane, honed their skills during the Battle of Britain, the waves of bright, young fighters from across the Commonwealth who came through the ranks in the following years are rightfully remembered in this stunning tribute.
In tribute to this iconic aircraft and the legendary pilots who flew them, each copy has been mounted to full conservation standards to include a set of museum-quality reproduction RAF pilots wings and the ORIGINAL pencil signatures of pilots who flew Spitfires in combat during WWII. They include Aces such as Albert Houle (11 victories), Andy MacKenzie (8 victories), Lorne Cameron (9 victories) and Don Laubman (15 victories).
Signatures:
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