THEY LANDED BY MOONLIGHT - Original Oil on Canvas

Robert Taylor captures to perfection the secret world of the Special Operations pilot with his atmospheric painting. Packed with tension, he recreates the high drama of a typical rendezvous as a pilot from No.161 Squadron based at Tangmere, readies his aircraft for take-off in a remote field deep inside occupied France. Clutching a Luger in one hand, he completes pre-takeoff checks as three passengers are spirited away by an armed member of the French Resistance. It is July 1943.

To fly a small aircraft at the dead of night, without radio communication or navigational assistance, deep into enemy occupied territory, was an extremely perilous task. Most suited aircraft to these World War II clandestine operations of the RAF’s Special Duties Squadrons, was the rugged Westland Lysander.

Weather permitting, operations were carried out during the moon’s fullest phase. With only torch light to guide him, the pilot made a hazardous night landing into an isolated field at a pre-arranged time, trusting that agents on the ground had checked the field for cart tracts and loitering Gestapo. Every mission required ice cool bravery and nerves of steel.

✅ Completed in 1997, this classic original painting is now available to add to your own personal collection!

*bespoke framing options available*

The Eugene Eisenberg Collection

Avid enthusiast Eugene Eisenberg amassed what has been described as ‘the single most important collection of privately owned aviation art in the world’ which includes an unrivalled number of ORIGINAL paintings by Robert Taylor.

In partnership with Eugene’s family, we’re proud to have EXCLUSIVE access to this unprecedented collection to enable others to enjoy the amazing artwork for many years to come! ✨

Dedicated phone lines and video calls are available with either Colin or Caroline – contact us for further enquiries:

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