EAGLE FORCE

Description

Spitfire Vbs of 71 Squadron RAF return to their base at North Weald, September 1941, the young American pilots perhaps taking a brief moment to marvel at the myriad colors of the late evening sun – welcome relief from the perils of recent air combat with the Luftwaffe high above the English Channel.

In the dark days of 1940 following Dunkirk, a seemingly defenseless Britain stood starkly alone in Europe, facing the might of an all-conquering Nazy Germany. Protected only by the narrow waters of the English Channel, it was left to a tiny band of young RAF fighter pilots to stem the Luftwaffe’s onslaught as the country braced itself for starvation.

Across the Atlantic, America followed the savage encounters of the Battle of Britain, knowing that soon it too would become involved in the war. Unable to wait, a small band of Americans decided their time had come: Some 240 young US pilots, motivated to fight for the cause of freedom, made their way to England to fly with the RAF. Volunteers all, many were to become leading Aces in the RAF and later the USAAF; many paid the ultimate price, more than a third never returning home.

In September 1940 as the Battle of Britain drew to a close, these carefree young flyers were united into a re-formed 71 Squadron, the first of three “Eagle Squadrons” and the first to go into action in February 1941 = followed by 121 and 133 Eagle Squadrons. Showing the same steely determination that had carried their British comrades through the Battle of Britain, they were quickly embraced into the fold of the RAF, their ferocious reputation in combat endearing them to the British people. The legend of the American Eagles was born.

This superb release is a  classic piece. The Eagle Squadrons have reached iconic status among collectors and Roberts’s painting combines a magnificent portrait of the Spitfire with outstanding signatures.