GUIDING THE STRAGGLER HOME
by Richard Taylor
A moving tribute to the brave aircrews of both RAF Fighter & Bomber Command
Spitfires from 504 Squadron provide close escort to a badly damaged Lancaster of 576 Squadron as she limps back to base, having fallen far behind the main force following an arduous raid over Germany, 1944.
Two aircraft, above all others, came to symbolise the deeds of the men and machines of the RAF: The Spitfire, magnificent in defence, lethal in attack, and the mighty Lancaster, the awesome heavy bomber that took the war to the heart of Nazi Germany.
In tribute to these iconic aircraft and the legendary airmen who flew them, Richard’s detailed drawing depicts an all too common scene as a badly damaged Lancaster from 576 Squadron struggles to keep up with the rest of the main force on returning from a raid over Germany. This time however, help is at hand as a flight of Spitfires from 504 Squadron spot the danger and guide the straggler back to more familiar skies and by doing so prevent any nearby Luftwaffe fighters claiming an easy victory – both RAF crews appreciating the unwritten bond between Fighter and Bomber Command.
Adding great historical authenticity, each print has been signed over a number of years by highly-regarded veterans of both RAF Fighter and Bomber Command. Every copy is then issued mounted to full conservation standards to include even more original autographs to create a unique collector’s piece to be cherished. The famous names include veterans who took part in some of the most significant actions of the war, the Battle of Britain, attacks on the mighty Battleship Tirpitz, plus the Dambster Raids against the great dams of the Ruhr Valley, to name but a few.
Overall matted size: 22 ¾” wide x 17 ¾” high
Image size: 17” wide x 9” high
The Collector's Edition
Each print in this highly-restricted 15 signature edition is matted to include a museum quality reproduction RAF brevet badge. Signatures are compiled from the following list of bomber and Fighter Command veterans:
- Squadron Leader Geoffrey Wellum DFC
- Warrant Officer Eric Carter
- Squadron Leader Ian Blair DFM
- Flight Lieutenant Russell 'Rusty' Waughman DFC AFC Ld'H
- Flight Lieutenant Gordon Mellor
- Squadron Leader Les Munro CNZM DSO QSO DFC
- Wing Commander Terence Kane
- Flying Officer Kenneth Wilkinson
- Flight Lieutenant Tommy' Coles DFC
- Squadron Leader Tony Pickering AFC
- Warrant Officer Doug Vince
- Warrant Officer William Gould
- Flight Lieutenant Alan Payne DFC
- Flight Lieutenant Bill Reid VC
- Wing Commander George 'Grumpy' Unwin DSO DFM*
- Wing Commander Bob Doe DSO DFC*
- Group Captain Leonard Cheshire VC OM DSO** DFC*
- Warrant Officer Harry Irons DFC
- Flying Officer Bill North
- Flight Sergeant Len Manning
Upgrade to include a Remarque...
Regarded as one of the most gifted exponents of pencil work in the industry, Richard Taylor can hand-craft an original drawing in the lower margin of each print.
Every copy can be upgraded to include an original Remarque or Double Remarque, creating a completely unique piece.
If you have a particular request, such as specific aircraft markings, please ask when placing your order.
Just TWENTY copies of this memorable edition are available worldwide!
- Media:
- Lithograph
- Size:
- 22.75 x 17.75 inches
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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