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The long balmy summer days of 1940 provided perfect flying weather for the vast armadas of Luftwaffe bombers and fighters wreaking havoc over the southern counties of England. As summer wore on the enemy stepped up their attacks on airfields, radar stations, and shipping in the Channel, leaving RAF Fighter Command stretched to near breaking point. The Battle of Britain was at its peak; air-fighting reached an unimaginable intensity.
Throughout the months of July, August, and September the destiny of Britain and the free world hung in the balance, resting upon the shoulders of a tiny band of youthful fighter pilots. Desperately short of aircraft, spares, and supplies, and with its young flyers heavily outnumbered, this heroic band of young men flew and fought from dawn to dusk in defence of their homeland until they drove the Luftwaffe from their precious skies. Their courage, skill, determination and sacrifice will forever be remembered for the battle they won. They rescued Britain from Nazi invasion and turned the tide in the Second World War.
Fondly remembered for its part in the victory is the remarkable Hawker Hurricane: this tough, stable fighter bore the brunt of all operational flying during the epic air battle, no fewer than four-fifths of all air victories being credited to the pilots of this outstanding fighter aircraft. Without it the battle would have been lost.
In his unrivalled and inimitable style, Robert Taylor has miraculously captured the mood so typical of those long frantic days: Fresh from yet another hectic combat high over the south coast, Flight Lieutenant Tom Dalton-Morgan and his wingman, hurry their Hurricane Mk Is of 43 Squadron back to base at Tangmere. More fuel, more ammunition, a sandwich and a cup of coffee, and with that familiar roar of Merlin engines they will be airborne again, ready to engage the next wave of Luftwaffe raiders. In a few fleeting weeks Tom Dalton-Morgan will be promoted to Squadron Commander.
Robert Taylor's supreme talent, together with inside knowledge of the Battle of Britain gained from years of association with distinguished Battle of Britain pilots - including in-depth discussions with Tom Dalton-Morgan - are combined in the creation of this emotive image, also featured on the cover of fighter ace Tom Dalton-Morgan's long-awaited autobiography. Now reproduced as a highly collectable limited edition print signed by fellow - Battle of Britain pilots, this unique package of matching numbered print and book offers a wonderful opportunity to all aviation art collectors and enthusiasts of the Battle of Britain.
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