June 1940: the freedom of Britain lay in the hands of a small band of young RAF fighter pilots as they faced the mighty Luftwaffe.

Although outnumbered, the courage and dedication of Fighter Command’s young airmen gradually turned the tide of WW2. By the end of October the Battle of Britain was over and, for the first time, the Luftwaffe had tasted defeat.

Richard Taylor’s outstanding composition portrays a more reflective image of those heroic RAF fighter pilots in contrast perhaps to the deadly trials they faced on a daily basis. Just occasionally during that long hot summer of 1940 were rare moments of peaceful respite. Every minute off-duty was time to be savoured, especially for this particular young pilot and his girl as they briefly pause along a quiet country lane to watch the Spitfires from 92 Squadron pass low overhead. For a few moments the distinctive roar of Merlin engines shatters the peace and they both know that this time tomorrow it will be him who will be flying into combat.

One of the most widely-collected aviation artist in the world, few come close to Richard’s extraordinary skill with pencil. This emotive tribute is personally signed by pilots who flew and fought in the Battle of Britain – the very rare autographs of some of the last of that small band of airmen who were instrumental in saving the free world from Hitler’s tyranny:

Squadron Leader GEOFFREY WELLUM DFC – flew Spitfires during the battle with 92 Sqn
Wing Commander JOHN ‘TIM’ ELKINGTON – Hurricane pilot with 1 Sqn during the battle

A moving tribute to be cherished for future generations.