Swordfish Attack at Taranto by Robert Taylor – Framed Original Pencil

Description

Created in 1979, this original drawing was the concept for one of Robert’s early classic works, “Swordfish attack at Taranto,” a painting which helped launch him as one of the world’s most collected aviation artists

On November 11, 1940 the Royal Navy launched the first ship-to-ship naval air attack in history, using 21 Fairey Swordfish biplane torpedo bombers from the Aircraft Carrier HMS Illustrious, to attack the Italian Fleet in the harbor at Taranto, Italy.

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 the Italian ships and close behind them more Swordfish dropped torpedoes and bombs. In just over an hour three Italian battleships, two cruisers, two destroyers, and numerous other vessels had been sunk or severely damaged . 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 Robert’s concept sketch, which was extensively featured on page 45 of Robert’s book: Air Combat Paintings Volume I, and  was the final draft for his action-packed painting, “Swordfish Attack at Taranto.” As Robert explains in his book, he was extensively assisted in his research by legendary Taranto Swordfish Pilot Charles Lamb who personally signed the drawing, and Robert’s hand written notes are visible within the content of the sketch.

The project was officially commissioned by the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton in 1979, which helped propel Robert to become one of the world’s leading aviation artists early in his career.

THE SIGNATURES

This powerful original work features the original autographs of two iconic veterans who flew the Swordfish at the Battle of Taranto:

Commander CHARLES BENTALL LAMB DSO DSC (on the drawing)
Originally with the RAF and Coastal Command in 1935, he transferred to the Navy Fleet Air Arm in 1938 joining Torpedo Strike Reconnaissance Sqn 822.  Early in WWII, Lamb flew the Fairey Swordfish from HMS Courageous laying mines and U-boat hunting, and his actions at Dunkirk helped keep U-boats at bay. Playing a pivotal role at the Battle of Taranto, he was one of just two Swordfish Pathfinder pilots with 815 Sqn. In September 1941 he was shot down over North Africa and imprisoned for a year by the Vichy French until he was freed by the Allies. He returned to flying, leading Arctic convoys and flew air strikes against the Tirpitz in May 1944. This remarkable man remained active in the Navy until he passed away in 1981.

This drawing is conservation framed  to include the original autograph of another iconic Sworsfish veteran:

Vice-Admiral Sir RICHARD JANVRIN KCB DSO (matted autograph)
Joining the Royal Navy in 1929 he specialized in aerial observation and when WWII began he flew operationally as an Observer in the three man crew of the Fairey Swordfish in North Africa. At the Battle of Taranto he flew off HMS Illustrious with 85 Sqn , and was the Observer in the lead Pathfinder Swordfish, guiding the formation toward the Italian fleet, which earned him the DSC. He was later wounded in the defense of HMS Illustrious. After the war he held numerous Commands including Captain of the Aircraft Carrier HMS Victorious, and Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, before retiring in 1971.

This exclusive piece presents an opportunity for just one collector to own not only an original artwork from the famed artist, but a true piece of aviation history.