TROPICAL DUTIES

by Richard Taylor

Editions Edition Size US($) QTY
Limited edition 350 $165.00
Artist proofs 25 $225.00
Remarques 25 $545.00
Please select quantity from the drop down and try again

It was tough, reliable and could turn its hand to almost any maritime task

On Wednesday 22 June 1938 a new sound was heard over the humid streets of Singapore as four Bristol Pegasus radial engines heralded the arrival of the RAF’s newest flying-boat- the Short Sunderland. For the men of 230 Squadron gathering on the slipway at Seletar, the approaching aircraft looked formidable and even from a distance, they could spot the powerful array of .303 machine guns it possessed.

With war looming and recognising the strategic importance of Singapore, the Squadron had been chosen as one of the first units to be re-equipped with the world’s most advanced flying boat - the Sunderland.

Tough and reliable, the Sunderland would prove that it could turn its hand to almost any role that was asked of it. With a range approaching 3,000 miles it was ideal for the long-range maritime reconnaissance patrols it would need to cover the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, especially following Japan’s callous entry into the war and the fall of Singapore.

As the war progressed, Sunderland flying-boats were increasingly used to attack enemy shipping between Burma and Malaya in the Bay of Bengal and over a 32 day period in the summer of 1944 two Sunderlands from 230 Squadron evacuated 537 critically wounded soldiers from the Chindit special forces by landing on a lake deep behind enemy lines in Burma. Following the Japanese surrender 230 Squadron found themselves once more in Singapore, this time to repatriate Allied POWs liberated from Japanese camps.

Richard Taylor has once again completed a magnificent painting as a tribute to the outstanding Sunderland and the men who flew it in the Far East. As the sun beats down on tropical island anchorage a Mk III Sunderland from 230 Squadron unloads essential supplies at a forward base on an archipelago deep in the Indian Ocean. A second aircraft, breaking a patrol, prepares to land.

The Signatures

Three of the last surviving veterans who actually flew and fought against the Japanese in Sunderlands with 230 Squadron have signed each print of Tropical Duties, their signatures adding a truly historic link to the many unsung heroes of World War II.

  • Flight Lieutenant William 'Hal' Hallisey RAFVR
  • Flight Lieutenant Graham Stevens RAF
  • Flight Lieutenant William 'Eddie' Bardgett

The Remarques

Already celebrated for his undoubted skill with the pencil, Richard Taylor has once again raised the bar and taken his Remarques to a new level by introducing subtle coloured highlights to his work.  The results are simply outstanding!  Richard is happy to undertake special requests so if you have one, just ask!

Media:
Lithograph
Size:
34.125 x 22.125 inches
Release Date:
12/2013

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.