ADVANCE FROM ARROMANCHES
by Simon Smith
Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of D-Day: 1944 – 2019
Following the successful D-Day landings on the adjacent Gold Beach, a vast pre-fabricated artificial Mulberry Harbour was quickly assembled at nearby Arromanches, allowing British and Canadian reinforcements to pour ashore. Towed piece by piece across the Channel, assembled and ready for use within days of the invasion, the harbour – nicknamed Port Winston – would enable more than two and half million men, half a million vehicles and vast quantities of supplies to be landed before it was finally decommissioned at the end of the year, by which time the ports along the Channel and North Sea had been liberated.
Clearly visible in Simon’s detailed piece, the new ‘Mulberry’ is working flat out with reinforcements pouring ashore and one of the floating roadways being used to evacuate the wounded onto ships soon bound for England. In the foreground recently-arrived Sherman Firefly tanks from the 13th /18th Hussars climb away from the area as they move out towards the front line alongside infantry from The Devonshire Regiment. In the days to follow both regiments would fight with great distinction.
Easily identified by the long barrel of its British 17-pounder gun whose bright muzzle flash inspired its nickname, the ‘Firefly’ was considered the most deadly version of the iconic Sherman tank and, being the only Allied tank in Normandy with a gun powerful enough to penetrate the thick armour of the German Panther and Tiger tanks, it was greatly feared by the enemy.
To help commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and to remember the heroes who served in the Battle of Normandy, each print in this memorable edition has been authenticated by veterans who fought bravely in this historic campaign.
The Limited Edition
Joining artist Simon Smith in signing every print is a highly-regarded Tank Commander who served in Normandy:
- Corporal Geoffrey Pulzer Ld'H
The Anniversary Edition & Artist Proofs
These four signature editions are additionally autographed by a further three veterans directly involved in the Normandy Campaign and the fighting around Arromanches:
- Sapper George Batts MBE Ld'H
- Able Seaman Bill Bennett
- General Sir Hugh Beach GBE KCB MC
The Remarque Editions
Simon’s background as a commercial illustrator and his passion for military history are immediately evident through his subtle use of pencil and attention to detail. With a specially commissioned pencil drawing hand created in the lower margin of each print, these stunning four signature editions are highly collectible pieces.
The Normandy Tribute Edition
With TWELVE signatures and an original pencil drawing!
With all signatures of the Anniversary Edition, each print is issued with a separate specially commissioned original pencil drawing by Simon Smith which has been signed by seven Normandy veterans:
- Private Charlie Hill
- Private Bert Cooper
- Craftsman Doug Austin
- Private Patrick Stafford
- Trooper Don Walker
- Private Cyril Elliot
- Corporal Gordon Drabble
Each unique drawing is conservation matted to include the original pencil signature of a famous veteran who served with distinction in Normandy:
- Brigadier Sir ALEX STANIER BT DSO* MC
The Giclée Proofs on Canvas
Using the most sophisticated digital Giclée technology, each Canvas Proof is printed directly on to fine canvas creating the look and feel of an original painting. Each canvas is fully authorized and personally signed by the artist, stamped on the back, hand numbered and titled.
Stretched canvas size: 34" wide x 20" high
Open Edition Print
This is un-signed by the artist or veterans and is smaller than the Limited Edition.
Overall print size: 25” wide x 17 ½” high
- Media:
- Lithograph
- Size:
- 35.5 x 25.25 inches
- Release Date:
- 5/2019
Editions that feature original and unique artwork, such as Remarque, Tribute and matted editions, are specifically hand-crafted to order. As a result, our normal delivery policies do not apply to these items but we’ll be sure to update you as soon as your drawing is complete. If you have any particular request for your remarque drawing – such as specific aircraft markings – please ask when placing your order and we will do our best to accommodate.
Framing Service available on this item
Interested in having this item framed? Our expert team are on hand to review your bespoke requirements. Simply tick the framing box at the checkout and we’ll contact you to discuss the best framing choices for your piece plus delivery options. For further information about our framing service click here.
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