ESCORT FOR THE STRAGGLER - THE VICTORIA CROSS EDITION By Robert Taylor
One of Robert's most collected titles, 'Escort for the Straggler' was released back in 1995 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Air Victory in Europe.
On April 25 1945 the RAF despatched over 300 Lancasters to attack Hitler's 'Eagle's Nest' high in the Bavarian Alps and after six long years of war it was appropriate the crews of the RAF should be allowed this symbolic gesture. Two aircraft above all others came to symbolise the deeds and men of the Royal Air Force: The Spitfire of Fighter Command and the Lancaster of the 'Bomber boys' and it is these two legendary aircraft that are depicted in Robert's emotive and moving scene.
The Spitfires of 504 Squadron have encountered the heavily damaged Lancaster 'UL-M2' of 576 Squadron which is limpting home some way behind the main force. The Spitfires have throttled back to stay with the straggler and escort her to the safety of her home airfield. Lancaster 'UL-M2' or 'Mike Squared' to her crew completed an incredible 140 sorties - more than any other Lancaster of the war!
There were several Editions released back in 1995 - including 'Anzac', 'Canadian' and RAF but the rarest was 'The Victoria Cross' Edition which consisted of THREE Prints including just 50 Hand-Pulled Folio Proof Prints!!
The Main Print 'ESCORT FOR THE STRAGGLER' is Signed By:
FLIGHT LIEUTENANT JAMES BELL DFC - Pilot of Lancaster 'UL-M2' 576 SQUADRON BOMBER COMMAND
WING COMMANDER ERNERT RODLEY DSO, DFC - 97 SQUADRON BOMBER COMMAND
GROUP CAPTAIN SIR HUGH DUNDAS CBE DSO DFC - TANGEMERE WING FIGHTER COMMAND
FLIGHT LIEUTENANT BILL REID VC - 617 SQUADRON BOMBER COMMAND
WING COMMANDER LADDIE LUCAS CBE DSO DFC - 616 SQUADRON FIGHTER COMMAND
SQUADRON LEADER NORMAN SCRIVENOR DSO DFC - 83 SQUADRON PFF BOMBER COMMAND
THE PRINT 'WINTER HOMECOMING' IS SIGNED BY:
GROUP CAPTAIN HAMISH MAHADDIE DSO DFC
GROUP CAPTAIN J.B 'WILLIE' TAIT DSO*** DFC
THE VICTORIA CROSS HAND-PULLED FOLIO PROOF PRINTS.
These exceptionally RARE Prints depict a damaged Lancaster struggling home low over the ocean as dawn breaks after another raid on Germany.
The Prints are Signed by Artist Robert Taylor and comes Mounted and ready to Frame with a miniature replica of the 'Victoria Cross' medal and a replica RAF Wings Brooch together with the mounted Signatures of THREE additional VC Winners from Bomber Command:-
GROUP CAPTAIN LEONARD CHESHIRE VC
GROUP CAPTAIN LEONARD TRENT VC
WARRANT OFFICER NORMAN JACKSON VC
The Edition comes complate with it's own unique Certificate of Authenticity and Original Sales Brochure.
PLEASE NOTE
*** THE MAIN PRINT HAS SOME HANDLING CREASES IN THE RIGHT WHITE BORDER WHICH I HAVE PICTURED - PLEASE SEE PHOTOS. THE COMPANION PRINT - 'WINTER HOMECOMING' IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND THE MOUNTED FOLIO PRINT IS MINT STILL WRAPPED AS IT WAS SENT FROM THE GALLERY ***
*THIS IS AN EXCEPTIONALL RARE PRINT AND EXAMPLES VERY RARELY APPEAR ON THE SECONDARY MARKET*
OVERSEAS BUYERS - PLEASE NOTE THAT THE MOUNTED FOLIO PRINT WILL HAVE TO BE SHIPPED FLAT BUT THE OTHER TWO WILL BE DESPATCHED IN A STURDY TUBE AS NORMAL - PLEASE CONTACT FOR SHIPPING COSTS
UK BUYERS - I MAY BE ABLE TO DELIVER TO YOU DEPENDING ON LOCATION - PLEASE CONTACT TO DISCUSS SHIPPING/DELIVERY COSTS
