A STUNNING TRIBUTE TO THE ICONIC FIGHTER PILOTS OF WWI
THE DAWN PATROL
by Robert Taylor
A tough Canadian, Billy Bishop was considered an outstanding fighter pilot endowed with great courage. Though he led 85 Squadron with distinction, he preferred to fight his air combats single-handed. Indeed he was awarded the Victoria Cross when, on one of his solitary forays, he attacked an enemy airfield at dawn shooting down three aircraft as they took off. Unlike many of his contemporary aces, Bishop survived the war and returned to Canada with 72 victories.
This outstanding piece was published as a limited edition lithograph in 1988 and has become one of the most iconic works in Robert Taylor's portfolio. Te print is personally hand siged by the following veterans who flew in combat with the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War:
Wing Commander GWILYM LEWIS
After paying to put himself through private pilot training in 1915 because the Royal Flying Corps had ‘no openings’, he was accepted by the RFC, entering operational service in March 1916. After a spell flying and Airco DH.2 he became a flight Commander flying the SE5a and his scores soon mounted, finishing WWI as an Ace with 12 victories. He left the RAF in 1921 but rejoined in 1939 and served s a member of the Cabinet War Rooms during WWII, directly reporting to and briefing Winston Churchill.
Second Lieutenant PHILIP BERETON TOWNSEND
Joining the Royal Flying Corps in 1914 he flew as an Observer / Air Gunner on the R.E.8 carrying out bombing missions and as a spotter in support of Allied Artillery units. He retired from the RAF in 1922 and became a celebrated author.
The print has been sold out for many years and has become one of Robert Taylor's classic editions. It is of great historical significance that two WWI Aircrew have signed the print, giving enthusiasts the opportunity to collect a serious piece of Aviation History.
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Please note: The signatures on
our pieces are not reproductions; they are original autographs, hand-signed by
the veterans involved.