Malta - George Cross by Robert Taylor Spitfire Me109 6 signers Valetta

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Malta - George Cross by Robert TaylorThe Spitfire Edition Individually numbered 1 - 300 (Signed by Six Pilots who flew Spitfires in defense of Malta, comes with C.O.A.)Overall size: 33" wide x 24" high.Image size: 26 3/4" wide x 16" high. The Spitfire Edition The Spitfire Edition is signed by SIX highly decorated pilots who flew Spitfires in defense of Malta, five of which are the only surviving Spitfire pilots who made Ace defending Malta, with Art Roscoe being the only surviving American pilot from the siege. Pilot Officer John Bisley of 126 Squadron in combat with Me 109s from JG-53 during one of the intense aerial air battles over Valetta in April 1942. Between the summer of 1940 and the end of 1942, Malta became one of the most bombed places on earth. The RAF’s desperate fight to retain control of the diminutive Mediterranean island, and the defiant courage of the people of Malta, is one of the epic stories of World War Two. Crucial to the Allies in their battle with the Axis forces in North Africa, Malta's naval dockyards and airfields provided the only base from which ships and aircraft could attack the convoys supplying Rommel's desert forces. The German High Command, fully aware of its importance, made every effort to bomb the island out of existence. By April 1942 the RAF was down to just six serviceable Spitfires and Hurricanes, Allied convoys were being decimated unopposed, and Malta was in danger of starvation. Two and a half years of relentless bombing had blitzed the dockyards out of operation, prompting Axis Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Kesselring to tell Hitler that Malta was neutralized.But the Field Marshal failed to take into account the heroism of a tiny force of RAF fighter pilots, the British Merchant Navy, the decisive role played by the British aircraft carriers Eagle and Furious, the American carrier Wasp, and the iron will of the people of Malta.In the spring of 1942, when Spitfires flown from the decks of carriers HMS Eagle and USS Wasp arrived at the island's battered airstrips, the battle took a new turn. At last, though still heavily outnumbered, the volunteer pilots from Britain, Australia, America, Canada, New Zealand and other Commonwealth countries were able to put up a meaningful defense. Never again would the Axis raids be met only with token resistance, and gradually the Spitfires began to dominate the sky above the beleaguered island. They had arrived in the nick of time.Robert Taylor's magnificent tribute to the gallant pilots who fought against such overwhelming odds, and the people of Malta, depicts Australian John Bisley of 126 Squadron dog-fighting with an Me109 from Jg-53 during one of the intense aerial air battles over Valetta in April 1942. Each print in Robert's important commemorative edition is signed by pilots who fought and ultimately won the historic Battle of Malta.Flight Lieutenant Ken Evans DFCJoining the RAF in 1939, Ken Evans was posted to 600 Squadron, where he flew Blenheims and Beaufighters on night operations until June 1941. In September he was posted to 130 Squadron on day-fighters, and in early 1942 was ordered to Malta. He flew his Spitfire off HMS Eagle on 18 May and joined 126 Squadron. Seeing much action over the island in June and July, he was credited with 4 and 2 shared victories, plus 3 other aircraft probably destroyed, then commissioned and awarded the DFC. Posted back to England as an instructor, in September 1943 he transferred to 165 Squadron as a flight commander.Flight Lieutenant Ian Maclennan DFMCanadian Ian Maclennan joined the RCAF in October 1940, arriving in England in August 1941. He joined 610 Squadron in February 1942, then 401 Squadron, where he destroyed a Fw190. Posted to Malta; he flew his Spitfire off HMS Eagle on 9 June, and shortly after transferred to 1435 Flight. On Malta he claimed 7 victories and was awarded the DFM. He was commissioned, becoming a flight commander in November. In December he returned to England. In Februa... read more

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