A STUNNING TRIBUTE TO THE ICONIC FIGHTER PILOTS OF WWI

THE DAWN PATROL
by Robert Taylor

Billy Bishop and the pilots of 85 Squadron climb their SE5A fighters into the cool morning sunlight above the fields of Northern France on June 16, 1918.

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.

ALSO AVAILABLE FRAMED & SHIPPED– please ask for details.

We will always do our best to combine shipping on multiple purchases whenever possible – please ask.

BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: We have been in business for over 20 years and our items are guaranteed to be in perfect condition, unless specified otherwise.

SHIPPING: Our prints are rolled in acid free tissue and shipped in large, heavy duty shipping tubes. matted & framed pieces are 'flat packed' in substantial packaging. Our shipping is insured and guaranteed.

YOUR PIECE OF MIND: As a reputable company, if any issues do arise we don't expect our customers to deal with it. So if there are any problems such as with condition, delivery or damages then we will take care of it with a replacement, store credit or your money back. 

Please note: The signatures on our pieces are not reproductions; they are original autographs, hand-signed by the veterans involved.