ROVER PATROL
by Richard Taylor

After D-Day in June 1944, and the capture of Germany's U-Boat bases in northern France, Hitler ordered his remaining fleet, and particularly his submarines, to bases in Norway.

Occupied by the Germans since 1940, the Norwegian fjords, with their narrow inlets and steep mountainous backdrops, offered unique protection; however submarines departing and returning to Norway from their oceanic operations immediately attracted the attention of RAF Coastal Command.

Operating from two airfields in northern Scotland were the Banff and Dallachy Strike Wings, their sole purpose was to attack all German shipping along the Norwegian coast, and they fought a bitter and dangerous campaign against Hitler's once mighty submarine fleet. Heavily defended by shore batteries, Flak ships with terrible fire-power, and marauding Luftwaffe fighters, the Mosquitos and Beaufighters of Coastal Command came under intense fire during almost every sortie they flew.

Powered by two big Merlin engines, fastest of these fighter-bombers was the sleek, all-wood highly manoeuvrable two-seat Mosquito. Armed with four 20mm cannon, four .303 Browning machine guns, and with eight 25 1b solid armour-piercing rockets, this graceful strike aircraft packed a lethal punch.

Typically, sorties began in the dark, with pilots flying loose formation at 50 feet across the North Sea, to arrive over the target area at first light. Then, the ever-present barrage

of defensive gunfire as pilots hurtled past sheer cliff faces, twisted and turned through narrow sounds, and dived in pursuit of their prey. Suddenly, from the quiet peace of early dawn, the still air was shattered by the roar of Merlins, rockets, gunfire, and explosions, resounding off mountain sides in a deafening cacophony of battle. And within minutes they were gone, leaving a trail of smoke, twisted metal, and another nail in the coffin of the Third Reich.

Richard Taylor's new painting presents a fine study of a lone Mosquito FB MkVI of 143 Squadron, part of a larger formation of the Banff Strike Wing, high over the Norwegian fjords on an armed rover patrol to seek out enemy surface shipping and submarines, in February 1945. The beauty of the early morning sun, glinting on the snow-covered mountain-tops, contrasts with the menacing job in hand. Bravery, inordinate flying skills, and determination were a prerequisite for the crews of Coastal Strike Command - rare qualities admirably conveyed in Richard's new rendering.

THE LIMITED EDITION with THREE signatures

400 signed and numbered prints US$150

10  Double Remarques US$695 SOLD OUT 

Acid Free Permanent Paper
Overall Print Size: 30 1/2" wide x 23 1/2" high
Image Size: 24 " wide x 16" high

THE SIGNATURES

Every print in this evocative limited edition is authenticated by THREE crew who flew Mosquitos in the Banff Strike Wing during World War II. Joining them in signing each print is the artist Richard Taylor, Each print is hand-numbered.

Flight Lieutenant FRANK HAWTHORNE
Joining the RAF in 1940, Frank Hawthorne trained on Mosquitos as a Navigator and Observer. Between 1942 and 1944 he completed a tour on Beaufighters, and was then posted to fly a tour with 333 Squadron, Royal Norwegian Air Force, at Banff. Owing to their knowledge of the Norwegian coast, 333 Squadron flew in advance of the rest of the Wing, seeking targets for the main Banff Strike Wing force. Frank retired from the RAF in 1946.

Flight Lieutenant AUBREY 'HILLI' HILLIARD
'Hilli' Hilliard trained as a pilot on Blenheims and Beaufighters, and in April 1943 was posted to 618 Squadron on Mosquitos, specially formed to carry Barnes Wallis's famous bouncing bomb. In August he transferred to the Mosquitos of the Banff Strike Wing. Whilst attacking and damaging a number of U-boats, one of which returned fire, damaging his aircraft. Forty years later 'Hilli' met the U-boat's capitan, Gunther Heinrich, and became good friends.

Flying Officer MAURICE WEBB DFM
Maurice joined the RAF in 1942, and trained as an observer/wireless operator/gunner. In October 1943 he was posted to 235 Squadron based at RAF Portreath, flying Beaufighters attacking shipping and harbour installations. In 1944 he converted to Mosquitos, and joined 248 Squadron, moving on to serve with the Banff Strike Wing until March 1945. He was awarded the DFM in August 1944, and then spent time flying in a RAF Walrus on Air Sea Rescue operations.

Example of one of Richard Taylor's superlative pencil remarques

THE REMARQUE EDITION

In the short period of time that Richard Taylor has been published by the Military Gallery, his pencil remarques have evolved into highly skilled pieces of original art. More and more detailed, these beautiful hand-crafted drawings are quickly growing to be appreciated by collectors, and are becoming increasingly in high demand. Two highly restricted remarque editions of ROVER PATROL will be issued, all with drawings comprehensively researched and relating to the Mosquito; the first limited to 25 copies, will each have an ORIGINAL pencil drawing elegantly hand drawn DOUBLE SIZE remarque drawing. Full of content, these double size remarques will measure approximately 10" wide.

ROVER PATROL by Richard Taylor

400 Signed & Numbered prints US $150
25 Artist Proofs US $195
25 Remarques US $425
10 Double Remarques US $695

Richard Taylor

Richard Taylor, has always shown an exceptional ability to draw. Not surprising perhaps, having been brought up in a family where drawing, painting, and print publishing pervaded daily life, but in his case a quite unusual talent was obvious, seemed certain, and when A future in the world of art Richard attended Bath Spa University College studying Graphic Design, he excelled, producing a remarkable body of creative work.

Under the guidance of his father Robert, Richard's skills fast matured, Galleries started exhibiting his work, and he found himself immersed in commissions. No matter what the subject, Richard took it all in his stride. But deep down, his heart always lay with his passion for aircraft - as his father says "it must be in the genes".

Richard Taylor is a young talent not to be ignored. His enthusiasm for painting and his natural flair are clearly demonstrated in his aviation paintings, several now issued as a limited editions. In joinins: The Military Gallery - the same

publishing house that has represented his father Robert for over 30 years -Richard Taylor is carving out an exciting career for himself: a career that discerning collectors of the genre will no doubt wish to hold a stake in.

The artist s father, renowned aviation artist Robert Taylor, explains one of his many painting techniques to his son Richard.

IMPORTANT!  Before you purchase, please visit our home page ('MilitaryArt Home' in the left column), for vital information, regarding methods of payment.

Here, you will find a growing number of mainly, limited edition prints, for your collections. These will have been painted, or drawn, by some of the finest military artists in the world today. 

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Cheers,

Ray Cunningham
Sovereign Art Company, Inc.
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