HAPPY RETURN - Original Pencil Drawing

HAPPY RETURN

After an absence of nearly four years following the fall of France, Wing Commander Johnnie Johnson led a flight of Canadian pilots on a sweep over northern France on 10th June 1944. Despite enemy forces still being active in the area, the formation landed to refuel at the newly constructed airfield at Sainte-Croix-sur-Mer, marking the first Allied fighters to land in France since 1940.

This drawing captures a brief yet poignant moment of well-earned respite.

Johnnie and Robert enjoyed a long-standing friendship that continued until the great Ace sadly passed away in 2001. Always a great admirer and supporter of Robert's work and readily on hand to authenticate the artist's meticulous research, Johnnie was an enthusiastic signatory on many of Robert's most famous pieces including Eagles High, Return From Schweinfurt, and St. Croix-sur-Mer, titles listed as some of the most collectible aviation art prints of all time.

This is Robert’s own personal tribute to his great friend.

✅ From Robert’s own studio, this original drawing represents a rare opportunity to acquire a unique piece of aviation art history!

This piece has been expertly framed and matted to conservation standards for long‑lasting preservation, additionally matted in is the valuable signature of: