78th Fighter Group Aces MPArt0072.jpg
Major Gene Roberts flying P-47C 'Spokane Chief' rolls inverted to lose some speed before pressing home an attack on an FW190, 30th July 1943. This was the first time that American fighters had taken on the Luftwaffe in strength over Germany on a daylight escort mission, using the large 200 gallon ferry tanks to increase their range.
Major Gene Roberts flying P-47C 'Spokane Chief' rolls inverted to lose some speed before pressing home an attack on an FW190, 30th July 1943. This was the first time that American fighters had taken on the Luftwaffe in strength over Germany on a daylight escort mission, using the large 200 gallon ferry tanks to increase their range.
A Long Way From Home MPArt0043.jpg
Halifax MZ813 QB-B 'Bambi' of 424 (Tiger) Squadron RCAF taking of in the winter of 1944.
Halifax MZ813 QB-B 'Bambi' of 424 (Tiger) Squadron RCAF taking of in the winter of 1944.
A-1 Skyraider Units MPArt0079.jpg
The original cover art for Osprey’s USAF and VNAF A-1 Skyraider Units of the Vietnam War depicting 1Lt Byron Hukee and his wingman Captain Gene Bardal of the 1st Special Operations Squadron on an SAR mission over Vietnam on 12 June 1972.
The original cover art for Osprey’s USAF and VNAF A-1 Skyraider Units of the Vietnam War depicting 1Lt Byron Hukee and his wingman Captain Gene Bardal of the 1st Special Operations Squadron on an SAR mission over Vietnam on 12 June 1972.
Allied Jet Killers MPArt0055.jpg
A P-47 Thunderbolt shoots down an Me262 on its landing approach.
A P-47 Thunderbolt shoots down an Me262 on its landing approach.
Arado 196 Units MPArt0003.jpg
This painting depicts an unusual combat that took place during the Battle of Britain on 15 August 1940 when six Spitfires of 266 Squadron came across Arado Ar196 T3+DH flown by Hauptmann Gerrit Wiegmink (Staffelkapitän of 1./196). Wiegmink turned towards the Spitfires and fired his 20mm cannons but eventually lost the uneven fight and crashed into the sea near Dunkirk, his observer Lt zur See Dietrich Schlenker being killed. The Spitfire of Sgt Fred Hawley was also shot down during this encounter.
This painting depicts an unusual combat that took place during the Battle of Britain on 15 August 1940 when six Spitfires of 266 Squadron came across Arado Ar196 T3+DH flown by Hauptmann Gerrit Wiegmink (Staffelkapitän of 1./196). Wiegmink turned towards the Spitfires and fired his 20mm cannons but eventually lost the uneven fight and crashed into the sea near Dunkirk, his observer Lt zur See Dietrich Schlenker being killed. The Spitfire of Sgt Fred Hawley was also shot down during this encounter.
Arado 234 Units MPArt0004.jpg
A painting for the cover of Osprey's Arado Ar234 Units book.
A painting for the cover of Osprey's Arado Ar234 Units book.
Arctic Me109 Aces MPArt0005.jpg
A JG5 Me109 intercepts a Russian Hampden near Murmansk
A JG5 Me109 intercepts a Russian Hampden near Murmansk
Baptism of Fire MPArt0097.jpg
A IX Squadron Wellington heads home under fire from chasing Me110s after the ill fated Wilhelmshaven raid of 18 December 1939.
A IX Squadron Wellington heads home under fire from chasing Me110s after the ill fated Wilhelmshaven raid of 18 December 1939.
Bats out of Rabaul MPArt0006.jpg
B-25s of the 499th BS keep a tight and low formation as they are chased by Japanese fighters after a raid on Rabaul, October 1943
B-25s of the 499th BS keep a tight and low formation as they are chased by Japanese fighters after a raid on Rabaul, October 1943
Battle of Britain Combat MPArt0011.jpg
Tom Neil of 249 Squadron attempts to get his Hurricane on the tail of an Me109 during the Battle of Britain
Tom Neil of 249 Squadron attempts to get his Hurricane on the tail of an Me109 during the Battle of Britain
Black Horse over Bamburgh MPArt0007.jpg
Spitfires of 72 Squadron roar past Bamburgh Castle on their way back to base at Acklington, June 1941. The aircraft in the foreground, RN-Y P8148 was named 'The Black Horse' in recognition of the fact that it had been purchased for the RAF by the employees of Lloyds Bank during the Battle of Britain.
Spitfires of 72 Squadron roar past Bamburgh Castle on their way back to base at Acklington, June 1941. The aircraft in the foreground, RN-Y P8148 was named 'The Black Horse' in recognition of the fact that it had been purchased for the RAF by the employees of Lloyds Bank during the Battle of Britain.
Blenheims into Battle MPArt0009.jpg
On 13th July 1940, three Bristol Blenheims of 30 Squadron, based at Ikingi Mariut in Egypt, were tasked to fly a defensive patrol over the British Mediterranean Fleet which had been under regular attack from the Italians for several days. As soon as the fleet was located, three Italian SM79 bombers were sighted and engaged by two of the 30 Squadron Blenheims, K7177 (VT-T) flown by Fg Off Ronald Le Dieu with Wop/AG Sgt Herbert 'Lofty' Lord and K7181 (VT-X) flown by Plt Off Derryk 'Dick' Lea with Wop/AG Sgt Christopher Burt. The third Blenheim, K7106 piloted by Fg Off Derek Walker with Wop/AG Sgt William Gair, remained over the fleet as top cover. After a short combat, one of the enemy aircraft was seen diving away trailing smoke and a second was damaged with the rear gunner put out of action. Sadly Blenheim K7181, was shot down with the loss of the crew. Thus, 13th July 1940 marked 30 Squadron's first victory of the war but also its first loss.
On 13th July 1940, three Bristol Blenheims of 30 Squadron, based at Ikingi Mariut in Egypt, were tasked to fly a defensive patrol over the British Mediterranean Fleet which had been under regular attack from the Italians for several days. As soon as the fleet was located, three Italian SM79 bombers were sighted and engaged by two of the 30 Squadron Blenheims, K7177 (VT-T) flown by Fg Off Ronald Le Dieu with Wop/AG Sgt Herbert 'Lofty' Lord and K7181 (VT-X) flown by Plt Off Derryk 'Dick' Lea with Wop/AG Sgt Christopher Burt. The third Blenheim, K7106 piloted by Fg Off Derek Walker with Wop/AG Sgt William Gair, remained over the fleet as top cover. After a short combat, one of the enemy aircraft was seen diving away trailing smoke and a second was damaged with the rear gunner put out of action. Sadly Blenheim K7181, was shot down with the loss of the crew. Thus, 13th July 1940 marked 30 Squadron's first victory of the war but also its first loss.
Blenheims over Borkum MPArt0008.jpg
Bristol Blenheim MkIfs of 25 and 601 Squadrons attacking the seaplane base at Borkum on 28 November 1939. This was the first offensive operation by RAF fighters of WWII. All aircraft returned safely.
Bristol Blenheim MkIfs of 25 and 601 Squadrons attacking the seaplane base at Borkum on 28 November 1939. This was the first offensive operation by RAF fighters of WWII. All aircraft returned safely.
Border Patrol MPArt0012.jpg
B-17s landing over a pair of inquisitive hares.
B-17s landing over a pair of inquisitive hares.
Channel Spitfire Aces MPArt0013.jpg
Originally painted for Osprey's Channel Spitfire Aces, It depicts Flt Lt 'Slim' Kilburn, of 124 Squadron flying Spitfire VI BR579/ON-H, shooting down an FW190 of JG26 over the English Channel on 12 December 1942. The specially modified Spitfire VIs were optimised for high-altitude combat, with extended wingtips and pressurized cockpits. On this day, the Spitfires were up covering the return of B-17s of the 303rd BG as they headed home after a raid on Abbeville and Rouen.
Originally painted for Osprey's Channel Spitfire Aces, It depicts Flt Lt 'Slim' Kilburn, of 124 Squadron flying Spitfire VI BR579/ON-H, shooting down an FW190 of JG26 over the English Channel on 12 December 1942. The specially modified Spitfire VIs were optimised for high-altitude combat, with extended wingtips and pressurized cockpits. On this day, the Spitfires were up covering the return of B-17s of the 303rd BG as they headed home after a raid on Abbeville and Rouen.
Coastal Patrol MPArt0064.jpg
A Westland Lysander of 225 Squadron doing a beach patrol over Worthing seafront during the Battle of Britain. I painted this canvas during my artist in residency at the RAF Museum back in 2012 and invited many young visitors to help me paint the clouds and waves. I was sitting next to the museum’s Lysander at the time so I suppose you could say it was painted from life!
A Westland Lysander of 225 Squadron doing a beach patrol over Worthing seafront during the Battle of Britain. I painted this canvas during my artist in residency at the RAF Museum back in 2012 and invited many young visitors to help me paint the clouds and waves. I was sitting next to the museum’s Lysander at the time so I suppose you could say it was painted from life!
Combat over Biscay MPArt0060.jpg
A Junkers Ju88R-2 of KG40 is seen having just shot down a Coastal Command Wellington over the Bay of Biscay. Both sides knew that if you came down into the sea here, then your chances of rescue were minimal...
Being a darkly camouflaged aircraft, I used the lightly foamy water from the crash to highlight the main subject, just leaving a darker bit of water behind the Ju88’s cockpit to make it pop with the backlighting.
A Junkers Ju88R-2 of KG40 is seen having just shot down a Coastal Command Wellington over the Bay of Biscay. Both sides knew that if you came down into the sea here, then your chances of rescue were minimal... Being a darkly camouflaged aircraft, I used the lightly foamy water from the crash to highlight the main subject, just leaving a darker bit of water behind the Ju88’s cockpit to make it pop with the backlighting.
Combat over Lincolnshire MPArt0025.jpg
Pilot Officer ‘Sandy’ Ballantine and his gunner Sergeant McTaggart engage a Heinkel 111 over North Lincolnshire on the afternoon of 7th March 1941. Ballantine was airborne in Defiant N3333 YD-B of 255 Squadron performing an air test when he came across the Heinkel in layers of cloud. Less than two months later both men (seen below on N3333) were forced to bale out of this aircraft when it was shot down in combat over Nocton in Lincolnshire.
Pilot Officer ‘Sandy’ Ballantine and his gunner Sergeant McTaggart engage a Heinkel 111 over North Lincolnshire on the afternoon of 7th March 1941. Ballantine was airborne in Defiant N3333 YD-B of 255 Squadron performing an air test when he came across the Heinkel in layers of cloud. Less than two months later both men (seen below on N3333) were forced to bale out of this aircraft when it was shot down in combat over Nocton in Lincolnshire.
Combat over Rabaul MPArt0063.jpg
This was commissioned for the cover of Osprey’s Air Campaign book on Rabaul. It depicts a mid air collision that occurred on 17 December 1943 between a RNZAF P-40 Kittyhawk and a Japanese Mitsubishi Zero. Both pilots baled out successfully but John McFarland, the NZ pilot, died in captivity. This was a tricky subject to depict but I used the shadow of the Zero’s wing to emphasise the close proximity and the impending collision.
This was commissioned for the cover of Osprey’s Air Campaign book on Rabaul. It depicts a mid air collision that occurred on 17 December 1943 between a RNZAF P-40 Kittyhawk and a Japanese Mitsubishi Zero. Both pilots baled out successfully but John McFarland, the NZ pilot, died in captivity. This was a tricky subject to depict but I used the shadow of the Zero’s wing to emphasise the close proximity and the impending collision.
Combat over the Estuary MPArt0051.jpg
Pilot Officer John 'Paddy' Hemingway of 85 Squadron bales out of his crippled Hurricane P3966 on the afternoon of 26th August 1940.
Pilot Officer John 'Paddy' Hemingway of 85 Squadron bales out of his crippled Hurricane P3966 on the afternoon of 26th August 1940.
Dambusters - Approaching the Eder MPArt0016.jpg
This painting depicts the difficult approach to the Eder that was briefed to the crews, diving past Waldeck Castle before turning hard to port over the spit of land to line up with the Eder Dam seen here in the distance. This complex approach caused all sorts of problems for the Maudslay, Shannon and Knight crews resulting in Les Knight trying a successful approach from the opposite side, down the lake.
This painting depicts the difficult approach to the Eder that was briefed to the crews, diving past Waldeck Castle before turning hard to port over the spit of land to line up with the Eder Dam seen here in the distance. This complex approach caused all sorts of problems for the Maudslay, Shannon and Knight crews resulting in Les Knight trying a successful approach from the opposite side, down the lake.
Dambusters - Courage and Sacrifice MPArt0018.jpg
Flt Lt John Hopgood DFC* hauls his crippled Lancaster over the Mohne Dam after making the second bombing-run of Operation Chastise, 17th May 1943. The Lancaster, ED925, M for Mother, had been badly hit by flak on the way to the dam, but despite being injured along with other members of his crew, Hopgood decided to press on to the target. Unfortunately, having been alerted by Guy Gibson's first attack, the defences were ready and knew where the second attack was coming from. M for Mother flew into a sustained barrage of 20mm cannon shells and was repeatedly hit in the port wing and fuselage, catching fire just as the Upkeep was dropped. With the aircraft rapidly becoming uncontrollable, Hopgood managed to gain enough height to allow three of his crew to bale out, (two successfully), before the Lancaster exploded and crashed in pieces, taking the remaining crew members to their deaths. John Vere Hopgood was just 21 years old.
Flt Lt John Hopgood DFC* hauls his crippled Lancaster over the Mohne Dam after making the second bombing-run of Operation Chastise, 17th May 1943. The Lancaster, ED925, M for Mother, had been badly hit by flak on the way to the dam, but despite being injured along with other members of his crew, Hopgood decided to press on to the target. Unfortunately, having been alerted by Guy Gibson's first attack, the defences were ready and knew where the second attack was coming from. M for Mother flew into a sustained barrage of 20mm cannon shells and was repeatedly hit in the port wing and fuselage, catching fire just as the Upkeep was dropped. With the aircraft rapidly becoming uncontrollable, Hopgood managed to gain enough height to allow three of his crew to bale out, (two successfully), before the Lancaster exploded and crashed in pieces, taking the remaining crew members to their deaths. John Vere Hopgood was just 21 years old.
Dambusters - Delayed Departure MPArt0034.jpg
Flt Lt Joe McCarthy and his crew take off from Scampton late, and in the spare aircraft ED825, AJ-T, on the evening of 16th May 1943, heading for the Sorpe Dam.
Flt Lt Joe McCarthy and his crew take off from Scampton late, and in the spare aircraft ED825, AJ-T, on the evening of 16th May 1943, heading for the Sorpe Dam.
Dambusters - Mother's Hero MPArt0017.jpg
Flt Lt John Hopgood DFC* hauls his crippled Lancaster over the Mohne Dam after making the second bombing-run of Operation Chastise, 17th May 1943. The Lancaster, ED925, M for Mother, had been badly hit by flak on the way to the dam, but despite being injured along with other members of his crew, Hopgood decided to press on to the target. Unfortunately, having been alerted by Guy Gibson's first attack, the defences were ready and knew where the second attack was coming from. M for Mother flew into a sustained barrage of 20mm cannon shells and was repeatedly hit in the port wing and fuselage, catching fire just as the Upkeep was dropped. With the aircraft rapidly becoming uncontrollable, Hopgood managed to gain enough height to allow three of his crew to bale out, (two successfully), before the Lancaster exploded and crashed in pieces, taking the remaining crew members to their deaths. John Vere Hopgood was just 21 years old.
Flt Lt John Hopgood DFC* hauls his crippled Lancaster over the Mohne Dam after making the second bombing-run of Operation Chastise, 17th May 1943. The Lancaster, ED925, M for Mother, had been badly hit by flak on the way to the dam, but despite being injured along with other members of his crew, Hopgood decided to press on to the target. Unfortunately, having been alerted by Guy Gibson's first attack, the defences were ready and knew where the second attack was coming from. M for Mother flew into a sustained barrage of 20mm cannon shells and was repeatedly hit in the port wing and fuselage, catching fire just as the Upkeep was dropped. With the aircraft rapidly becoming uncontrollable, Hopgood managed to gain enough height to allow three of his crew to bale out, (two successfully), before the Lancaster exploded and crashed in pieces, taking the remaining crew members to their deaths. John Vere Hopgood was just 21 years old.
Dambusters - The Perfect Approach MPArt0020.jpg
Squadron Leader Henry 'Dinghy' Young and his crew, flying Lancaster ED887 AJ-A, make the perfect approach against the Mohne Dam, releasing their Upkeep right on target and ultimately creating a small breach that led to the dam's destruction. Meanwhile up ahead, Guy Gibson and 'Mick' Martin engage the enemy anti-aircraft positions from both sides of the dam.
Squadron Leader Henry 'Dinghy' Young and his crew, flying Lancaster ED887 AJ-A, make the perfect approach against the Mohne Dam, releasing their Upkeep right on target and ultimately creating a small breach that led to the dam's destruction. Meanwhile up ahead, Guy Gibson and 'Mick' Martin engage the enemy anti-aircraft positions from both sides of the dam.
Dambusters - Time to Head Home MPArt0021.jpg
Joe McCarthy in ED825 AJ-T flies over the freshly breached Mohne Dam during the Dambusters Raid
Joe McCarthy in ED825 AJ-T flies over the freshly breached Mohne Dam during the Dambusters Raid
Dambusters - Training Sortie MPArt0019.jpg
Wing Commander Guy Gibson leads ‘Dinghy’ Young and Joe McCarthy of the newly formed 617 Squadron through the northern hills on a 5 hour cross-country training flight, 16th April 1943. Exactly one month later they would all be heading for Germany as part of Operation Chastise, the famous Dambuster Raid.
Wing Commander Guy Gibson leads ‘Dinghy’ Young and Joe McCarthy of the newly formed 617 Squadron through the northern hills on a 5 hour cross-country training flight, 16th April 1943. Exactly one month later they would all be heading for Germany as part of Operation Chastise, the famous Dambuster Raid.
Defiants over Dunkirk MPArt0026.jpg
Boulton Paul Defiants of 264 Squadron engage Heinkel 111s of III/KG51 over Dunkirk on the second day of Operation Dynamo, 27th May 1940.
Boulton Paul Defiants of 264 Squadron engage Heinkel 111s of III/KG51 over Dunkirk on the second day of Operation Dynamo, 27th May 1940.
Dornier 17 Units MPArt0029.jpg
A painting produced for the cover of Osprey's Do17 Units book.
A painting produced for the cover of Osprey's Do17 Units book.
Dornier 217 Units MPArt0030.jpg
A painting produced for Osprey's Do217 Units book
A painting produced for Osprey's Do217 Units book
Dornier 24 Units MPArt0032.jpg
a painting created for the cover of Osprey's Dornier Do24 Units book
a painting created for the cover of Osprey's Dornier Do24 Units book
Douglas Dauntless MPArt0023.jpg
A Dauntless dive bomber attacking Japanese positions.
A Dauntless dive bomber attacking Japanese positions.
Eagle Owl MPArt0048.jpg
A Heinkel He219 Uhu 'Eagle Owl' shoots down an RAF Lancaster over Germany, late 1944.
A Heinkel He219 Uhu 'Eagle Owl' shoots down an RAF Lancaster over Germany, late 1944.
Early P-38 Aces MPArt0033.jpg
P-38G-15 43-2204 ‘White 99’ Beautiful Lass flown by Lt John G O’Neill of the 9th FS/49th FG, in action over Vunakanau New Guinea on 29th October 1943. O’Neill claimed two victories in this combat.
P-38G-15 43-2204 ‘White 99’ Beautiful Lass flown by Lt John G O’Neill of the 9th FS/49th FG, in action over Vunakanau New Guinea on 29th October 1943. O’Neill claimed two victories in this combat.
East Coast Intruder MPArt0031.jpg
In the early hours of 8th May 1941, Fw Wilhelm Lettenmeier's Dornier Do17Z-10 R4+GK of 2/NJG2 was intercepted over The Wash by a 25 Squadron Beaufighter whilst on a night intruder mission against RAF bomber bases. The crew of Beaufighter T4634 spotted the Do17 against the brightly moonlit cloud below and after a short combat saw the Dornier spiral down in flames to crash near Boston.
In the early hours of 8th May 1941, Fw Wilhelm Lettenmeier's Dornier Do17Z-10 R4+GK of 2/NJG2 was intercepted over The Wash by a 25 Squadron Beaufighter whilst on a night intruder mission against RAF bomber bases. The crew of Beaufighter T4634 spotted the Do17 against the brightly moonlit cloud below and after a short combat saw the Dornier spiral down in flames to crash near Boston.
Farewell to the Few MPArt0035.jpg
In 2019, the artist asked Battle of Britain pilot Archie McInnes what his favourite memory of the Battle was. For Archie it wasn’t the combat and shooting, instead he fondly remembered those glorious summer days when, as a 21 year old, he was given his own Hurricane to go up and play in the clouds. That conversation inspired this painting, a copy of which was presented to Archie on his 100th birthday. By all accounts he was overjoyed with the painting and immediately hung it on his wall when he got home. Sadly, he passed away that same night, finally joining those other young boys who also played amongst the clouds back in 1940.
In 2019, the artist asked Battle of Britain pilot Archie McInnes what his favourite memory of the Battle was. For Archie it wasn’t the combat and shooting, instead he fondly remembered those glorious summer days when, as a 21 year old, he was given his own Hurricane to go up and play in the clouds. That conversation inspired this painting, a copy of which was presented to Archie on his 100th birthday. By all accounts he was overjoyed with the painting and immediately hung it on his wall when he got home. Sadly, he passed away that same night, finally joining those other young boys who also played amongst the clouds back in 1940.
Focke Wulf 190 MPArt0056.jpg
FW190s of JG1 intercepting B-17s of the 303rd BG.
FW190s of JG1 intercepting B-17s of the 303rd BG.
Focke Wulf 200 Condor MPArt0040.jpg
An FW200 in combat with an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley over the Bay of Biscay, strange but true!
An FW200 in combat with an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley over the Bay of Biscay, strange but true!
Fokker XXI Aces MPArt0038.jpg
The original cover art for Osprey's Fokker D.XXI Aces depicting 1Lt Jorma Sarvanto of LLv 24 shooting down an Ilyushin DB-3 bomber over south-eastern Finland on 6th January 1940. He went on to shoot down six bombers during this encounter making him the first 'Ace in a Day' of WWII.
The original cover art for Osprey's Fokker D.XXI Aces depicting 1Lt Jorma Sarvanto of LLv 24 shooting down an Ilyushin DB-3 bomber over south-eastern Finland on 6th January 1940. He went on to shoot down six bombers during this encounter making him the first 'Ace in a Day' of WWII.
Garfield Weston Spitfire MPArt0041.jpg
One of the many Spitfires donated to the RAF by Canadian businessman Garfield Weston.
One of the many Spitfires donated to the RAF by Canadian businessman Garfield Weston.
Handley Page Halifaxes MPArt0042.jpg
a symbolic painting depicting two Halifaxes that collided late in the war with only one survivor.
a symbolic painting depicting two Halifaxes that collided late in the war with only one survivor.
Heinkel 162 MPArt0046.jpg
A He162 of JG1 in the only known combat for the type with an RAF Tempest
A He162 of JG1 in the only known combat for the type with an RAF Tempest
Heinkel 177 MPArt0047.jpg
Heinkel 177 bombers over London during Operation Steinbock.
Heinkel 177 bombers over London during Operation Steinbock.
Hellcat Aces MPArt0049.jpg
Hellcat shooting down a Japanese fighter
Hellcat shooting down a Japanese fighter
Hurricane Scramble MPArt0090.jpg
A small A5 sized paintings depicting Hurricanes taking off during the Battle of Britain
A small A5 sized paintings depicting Hurricanes taking off during the Battle of Britain
Hurricanes into Battle MPArt0052.jpg
249 Squadron Hurricanes attack Dornier 17s head on at the height of the Battle of Britain.
249 Squadron Hurricanes attack Dornier 17s head on at the height of the Battle of Britain.
Hurricanes over Dunkirk MPArt0053.jpg
601 Squadron Hurricanes in action over Dunkirk, May 1940.
601 Squadron Hurricanes in action over Dunkirk, May 1940.
JG3 Aces MPArt0057.jpg
Hauptmann Hans von Hahn, Gruppenkommandeur of I/JG3 shoots down a Spitfire over London on 15th September 1940, Battle of Britain Day.
Hauptmann Hans von Hahn, Gruppenkommandeur of I/JG3 shoots down a Spitfire over London on 15th September 1940, Battle of Britain Day.
JG53 Aces MPArt0058.jpg
