Overall print
size: 27 1/8" wide x 20 3/4" high.
A limited edition print featuring
the Spitfires of the Culmhead Wing a few days prior to D-Day,
June 6, 1944.
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 became 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.
Nicolas Trudgian's comprehensive painting
Summer of '44 recreates with such realism a scene in southwest
England just a few days before the Normandy landings in
June 1944. Mark IX Spitfires of No. 126 Squadron, returning
from combat over France, sweeps 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, Nick has painted a classically peaceful
English landscape, highlighting the unique contrast between
war and peace that pervaded Britain during that summer of
'44.
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| Summer
Of '44 by Nicolas Trudgian |
| 450 s/n prints w/TWO signatures. |
US $150 |
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Two of the most outstanding Spitfire
Wing Leaders of World War II have joined Nicolas Trudgian
in signing each print.
 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 Squadron. In 1941 he formed
457 Squadron (RAAF) on Spitfires and later took command of
602 Squadron. 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
Squadron in August 1940. Moving to 616 Squadron he scored
his first victory while flying with Douglas Bader's Tangmere
Wing. In July 1942 he was given command of 610 Squadron 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 victories.
The Portfolio Remarque Edition
A highly prized edition. Just 25 individually
numbered copies of Summer of '44 are issued with a separate
individually numbered original pencil drawing by Nicolas Trudgian
and signed by top Polish Ace Stanislaw Skalski.
 Wing
Commander Stanislaw Skalski
DSO DFC** VM
Stanislaw Skalski escaped to England
after fighting in the Battle of Poland. He flew Hurricanes
during the Battle of Britain with 501 Squadron and in 1941
transferred to Spitfires with 306 Squadron, where his victories
continued to mount. After commanding 317 and 601 Squadrons,
in October 1943 he was posted to lead 131 Polish Wing. In
April 1944 he led his 133 Wing with 3 Polish Mustang squadrons,
and covered the Normandy Invasions. He finished the war with
24 victories.
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