Swordfish Attack at Taranto by Robert Taylor Original Pencil Drawing

Description

The Royal Navy launched the first ship-to-ship naval air attack in history, employing 21 Fairey Swordfish biplane torpedo bombers from the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious. This attack was against the Italian Fleet in the harbor at Taranto, Italy November 11, 1940.

Just before midnight, the first of two waves of biplanes, swept down on the anchorage at Taranto. The first two aircraft dropped flares to illuminate and backlight the Italian ships in the harbor. Close behind them came more Swordfish dropping torpedoes and bombs. In just over an hour the attackers sank or severely damaged three of the battleships, two cruisers, two destroyers, and assorted other targets. Two of the Swordfish were shot down by anti-aircraft fire.

In the House of Commons, Prime Minister Winston Churchill proclaimed that the loss to Italy of half its battleships “affects decisively the balance of naval power in the Mediterranean.”

One of the most daring raids of World War II is thrillingly portrayed in this concept sketch by Robert Taylor.  This drawing was the final draft for his action-packed painting, Swordfish Attack at Taranto and it was featured in Robert’s first book: Air Combat Paintings Volume I.  This exclusive piece presents an opportunity not only to own an original artwork from the famed artist, but a piece of aviation art history.

THE SIGNATURES

This drawing is hand signed by the artist as well as:.

Commander CHARLES BENTALL LAMB DSO DSC
Originally joining the RAF in 1935 and flying with Coastal Command, he transferred to the Air Branch of the Royal Navy in 1938 and joined Torpedo Strike Reconnaissance Squadron 822 on February 27, 1939.  Early in World War II, Lamb flew the Fairey Swordfish from the HMS Courageous, laying mines and U-boat hunting.  His actions at Dunkirk helped keep U-boats at bay.  He was one of just two Swordfish Pathfinder pilots with 815 Squadron at the Battle of Taranto.  In September of 1941 he was shot down over Northern Africa and imprisoned by the Vichy French government until he was freed by the Allies in November 1942.  A year later he returned to flying, leading Arctic convoys and launching air strikes against the Tirpitz in May 1944.  He remained active in the Navy until he passed in 1981.

This drawing has been conservation framed and matted to include the original autograph of:

Vice-Admiral Sir RICHARD JANVRIN KCB DSO
Janvrin joined the Royal Navy in 1929 to specialize in aerial observation.  In World War II, serving on HMS Illustrious, he performed as an observer at the Battle of Taranto, earning the Distinguished Service Cross in the process.  He continued to serve through the war’s end and, on December 31st, 1948, he was promoted to Commander and given command of the HMS Broadsword destroyer in 1951.  Made a Captain in 1954, he would take command of the HMS Victorious in 1959.  His stellar career in the Navy saw him be promoted to Vice Admiral in 1967 and appointed the Flag Officer Naval Air Command in 1968.  Janvrin eventually retired in 1971.