AIRCRAFT DOWN - Original Pencil Drawing

An original pencil drawing by Richard Taylor, depicting a Sopwith Camel forced down beside British infantry positions on the Western Front in 1918.

The Camel was one of the most successful Allied fighters of the First World War, credited with destroying more enemy aircraft than any other British fighter type. Its exceptional manoeuvrability made it formidable in experienced hands, but its handling characteristics could also be unforgiving, particularly for inexperienced pilots.

The drawing is personally signed by Flight Lieutenant Henry J. L. Botterell, the Canadian First World War fighter pilot who flew Sopwith Camels operationally on the Western Front. When Botterell died in 2003 at the age of 106, he was widely regarded as the last surviving First World War combat pilot.

The bespoke framed presentation also incorporates the original autographs of three important figures from early military aviation:
- Sir Thomas O. M. Sopwith CBE Hon FRAeS — founder of the Sopwith Aviation Company and the man whose company designed and built the legendary Camel.
- NCO Alfred Watson — an observer and gunner with No. 11 Squadron RFC.
- Air Marshal Sir Aubrey Ellwood KCB DSC DL — a distinguished First World War fighter pilot who achieved ten confirmed victories, all while flying the Sopwith Camel, before going on to a senior RAF career. RAF Web

Adding a further tangible connection to the First World War, the presentation contains an original bead pull from a German stick grenade, together with the original British campaign medals issued to Air Mechanic 1st Class Leonard Fred Andrews.

Combining Richard Taylor’s original artwork with authentic signatures, medals and battlefield-era material, Aircraft Down is a particularly substantial collector’s piece centred on the men and machines of First World War aviation.

Original pencil drawing, conservation framed with historic artefacts and autographs.

Measuring 21.5” x 24” overall framed size.