COAST IN SIGHT
by Robert Taylor
Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it.
The Bomber Command Memorial, London
We are delighted to present the first in a series of Robert Taylor Masterworks specially released from the archives of the Military Gallery.
On 25 April, 1945, RAF Bomber Command despatched a force of over 300 Lancasters to attack The Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s personal retreat high in the Bavarian Alps. It was a symbolic operation because the war was all but over, nevertheless it was highly appropriate that after six years of savage aerial combat it was the Lancaster bombers and aircrew of Bomber Command that were chosen for the task.
The first operational Lancasters arrived with 44 Squadron at Waddington on Christmas Eve 1941 and it was quick to establish itself as the backbone of Bomber Command. By the summer of 1944 this legendary bomber, powered by four mighty Merlin engines, equipped over 40 squadrons and was as tough as the crews that flew it – men from Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, as well as other Commonwealth countries along with many nations under the threat of Nazi rule. Despite facing appalling conditions and some of the worst casualty rates of WWII, every man was a volunteer, each part of a special breed of heroic young men whose dogged resilience in the face of danger is expertly captured by Robert Taylor in his previously unseen painting, Coast in Sight.
With one engine out and serious damage to the starboard wing, a Mk.III Lancaster struggles to maintain height as the crew coax their battered aircraft slowly home after a gruelling night bombing mission to Germany in the autumn of 1944. With the English coast now in sight, safety is within their grasp and the crew’s perilous journey will soon be over. Completed in 1986 this moving piece joins the library of other major editions undertaken during this period, classic works such as Bombers Moon, JG-52 and Last Flight Home.
It is therefore a fitting subject to begin this new Military Gallery Archive series, giving fans of Robert's early workthe opportunity to acquire an unreleased edition. As with those early and long sold out releases, the prints have been signed by an astonishing collection of Bomber Command veterans which is now impossible to replicate. Included are many who flew with the legendary 617 Squadron, probably the most elite precision-bombing unit of World War II, and the signatories on this release flew a staggering 1200 bombing missions between them, making this a historic collectors piece which is destined to become an instant classic.
The Signatures
Joining artist Robert Taylor in signing every print are two highly respected veterans who flew Lancasters with the legendary 617 Squadron:
- Wing Commander John Bell MBE DFC
- Flight Lieutenant Arthur F. Poore DFC
The Collector's Edition & Remarques
These historic NINE signature editions is additionally signed by a further seven Aircrew who flew with 617 Squadron:
- Flight Sergeant Charles Avey
- Flight Lieutenant Sydney Grimes
- First Lieutenant Murray Valentine
- Flight Lieutenant Ken Trent DFC*
- Warrant Officer Frank Tilley
- Squadron Leader Lawrence 'Benny' Goodman
- Squadron Leader George Johnson MBE DFM
The Bomber Command Tribute Edition
With all the signatures of the Collector’s Edition, each print is issued with a specially commissioned original pencil drawing by Robert Taylor which has been signed by twelve highly distinguished Bomber Command veterans:
- Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC
- Group Captain James 'Willie' Tait DSO*** DFC* ADC
- Squadron Leader Norman Scrivener DSO DFC AE
- Sergeant Ray Grayston
- Flight Lieutenant George Chalmers DFC DFM
- Flight Lieutenant Bob Knights DSO DFC
- Squadron Leader Les Munro CNZM DSO QSO DFC
- Flying Officer Bill North
- Corporal Ken Lucas
- Flight Sergeant Tom Sayer DFM
- Warrant Officer Derek Gurney
- Warrant Officer Charlie Darby
Each unique drawing is conservation matted to include the original pencil signatures of a further four of the most famous Bomber Command veterans of World War II. The veterans included flew a staggering 1200 Bombing Missions between them:
- Group Captain Leonard Cheshire VC OM DSO** DFC*
- Group Captain Hamish Mahaddie DSO DFC AFC* FRAeS
- Air Marshal Sir Ivor Broom KCB CBE DSO DFC AFC
- Flight Lieutenant John Petrie-Andrews DFC DFM
- Media:
- Lithograph
- Size:
- 32 x 23.5 inches
- Release Date:
- 5/2016
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.
Other Works by Robert Taylor
