THE BATTLE OF THE CORAL SEA

In the spotlight today is a rare print by the world's foremost aviation artist - just a few copies available for immediate shipping

21 September 2020

THE BATTLE OF THE CORAL SEA

by Robert Taylor

 

Commemorating the Battle of the Coral Sea, Robert famously portrays the sinking of the Shōhō in this dramatic painting. When Commander Weldon Hamilton, leading one of the Lexington's Dauntless squadrons, spotted the Shōhō at 10.40 on the morning of May 4th 1942, the Japanese carrier's fate was sealed. Within minutes she was hit by the full force of the Lexington's dive bombers and torpedo aircraft, aided by the Yorktown's attack group. Smothered by a dozen bomb and seven torpedo hits, she was sunk within thirty minutes of the first sighting.

'The SBDs in the painting have completed their mission and are affording themselves the luxury of a last look at their handiwork as they form up for the return to the carrier; they are from VB-2, Bomber Two, based on the USS Lexington. Below, other Dauntless dive-bombers and Devastators finish the task. The Shōhō's days in the Pacific are almost over.'

An excerpt from Robert Taylor's Air Combat Paintings Volume III

 

Just a handful of copies now available!

Each has been signed by either FIVE or TEN veterans who flew the SBD Dauntless with the US Navy during WWII:

FIVE Signature Edition:

  • Commander HAROLD L BUELL

  • Captain BEN PRESTON

  • Commander JOE RILEY

  • Captain ARTHUR SCHULTZ

  • Captain LAWRENCE G TRAYNOR

TEN Signature Edition 

Additionally signed by:

  • Lieutenant Commander DICK BEST​

  • Captain BILL CHRISTIE

  • Captain ROBERT ELDER

  • Commander HARRY A FREDRICKSON

  • Captain STANLEY 'SWEDE' VEJTASA

 

 FIND OUT MORE HERE!

 

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