Summer of '44
by
Nicolas Trudgian
As the Allied invasion of northern France drew nearer, the entire length of southern England had seemingly become one huge army camp. While the local population went about its daily business as best it could, British and American troops massed at every point near the coast in readiness for the imminent crossing of the Channel.
Though the RAF fighters of 10 Group were tasked in the Air Defense role, like all RAF squadrons that could be spared, they become involved with the softening up process, a pre-requisite of any large scale landing on enemy occupied territory. Under the leadership of Wing Commander Peter Brothers, 10 Group's Spitfire Wing based at Culmhead was heavily involved flying shipping patrols over the beachhead and 'Rhubarbs' - low-level strikes of opportunity _ disrupting enemy movements and communications.
The print recreates a scene in south-west England just a few days before the Normandy landing in June 1944. Mark IX Spitfires on No. 126 squadron, returning from combat over France, sweep low over the local branch line railway station on their way back to Culmhead. Below, as the GWR "Prairie" tank engine pulls out of the station, American troops are assembling their equipment in readiness for the impending invasion. Adding great atmosphere to his composition, Nicolas has painted a classically peaceful English landscape, highlighting the unique contrast between was and peace that pervaded Britain during that summer of '44.

The Signatures
Air Commodore Peter Brothers CBE DSO DFC Peter Brothers flew in the Battles of France and Dunkirk. During the Battle of Britain he flew with Bob Stanford Tuck at 257 Sqn. In 1941 he formed 457 Squadron (RAAF) on Spitfires and later took command of 602 Sqn. In October 1942 Peter was appointed Spitfire Wing Leader at Tangmere. He later led the Culmhead Spitfire Wing during the Normandy Invasion. He finished the war with 16 victories.
Air Vice Marshal Johnnie Johnson CB CBE DSO DFC DL Johnnie Johnson joined 92 Spitfire Sqn in August 1940. Moving to 616 Sqn he scored his first victory while flying with Douglas Bader's Tangmere Wing. In July 1942 he was given command of 610 Sqn which he led on the Dieppe Raid. He took command of the Canadian Spitfire Wing at Kenley in March 1943. He led 144 Wing, again flying Spitfires, and then 127 and 125 Wings, ending the war as the top-scoring Allied fighter pilot with 38 air victories.

Edition Size: 450 S/N, 25 Artist's Proofs
Print Size: 27 1/8" x 20 3/4"
Limited Edition Price:150.00 [Order] [Checkout]
Artist Proof Price:225.00 [Order] [Checkout]


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