DESTINY DAWNS

Commemorating the men of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division

On 5 June 1944, at airfields across the breadth of southern England, elite paratroopers from three Allied Airborne Divisions prepared to spearhead the long- awaited invasion of northern France. Their task ahead sounded simple – to secure the flanks in preparation for the greatest amphibious invasion known to man – but to carry it out would require determination and bravery of epic proportions.

In his stunning drawing Destiny Dawns Richard Taylor brings to life events at one of those airfields in the dwindling hours leading up to their departure for destiny. The scene is set at RAF Upottery in Devon as men of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division’s famous 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment begin to assemble alongside the C- 47s of the 439th Troop Carrier Group that will carry them to Normandy as part of Operation Albany – the seizure of the causeways leading to Utah beach before securing the area closest to Omaha beach.

Well-known for the precise quality of his drawings, this detailed work commemorates the bravery of all those who jumped into Normandy on D-Day with the American Airborne Divisions. The inclusion of original veteran signatures in part of the edition will no doubt ensure this eye-catching limited edition will have a special place for those with an appreciation for the courage of the famous ‘Band of Brothers’.