Fury of Assault by Robert Taylor features a night fighter Hurricane of 85 Squadron in combat with He111s during the London Blitz, 1940.

When Luftwaffe bombers first appeared in force in the night skies over London in September 1940 they heralded the beginning of The Blitz - the most sustained period of concentrated bombing aimed at British cities during World War II.

When, at the height of the Battle of Britain, Luftwaffe supremo Hermann Goering made a decision to blitz London and other major cities, his tactical blunder would ultimately change the course of the war. His flawed judgement to shift the Luftwaffe's attacks away from RAF airfields and radar stations was a ruthless attempt to break the morale of the civilian population, and force Britain to its knees. Devastating as the long night raids were, his brutal plan failed, and with RAF fighters gradually winning control of the skies over southern England, Hitler's preparations to invade England were cancelled. 

The Blitz opened with a force of nearly 350 German bombers, escorted by 600 fighters, unloading their mix of incendiary and high explosive bombs into the heart of the city, with wave after wave following through that first September night. The horrifying air raids continued relentlessly throughout the bleak winter into 1941, the chilling sound of air raid sirens a nightly occurrence. And as the bombs rained down on London, Coventry, and other cities, the night sky over southern England was aglow with the flames of destruction. The bombardment continued without respite for nearly eight months and by the last night of the Blitz in May 1941, over 43,000 people had lost their lives, tens of thousands injured, and a million houses destroyed; but the spirit of the British people never wavered. 

Robert Taylor's evocative painting brings to life the frightening scenario of the Luftwaffe's night bombing campaign during the Blitz. It is December 1941, and London is once again under concentrated attack. With fires raging below, the armada of German bombers is clearly visible in the night sky as they sweep across the city. Shimmering in the glow of destruction, a lone Hurricane night-fighter from 85 Squadron, based at nearby Gravesend, engages Heinkel Ills of KG 55 in a desperate attempt to break up the formations. This important painting - by the world's premier aviation artist - portrays one of the most critical periods in Britain's long history. Beautifully reproduced Limited Edition prints, signed by four decorated Luftwaffe aircrew who flew Heinkels over England during the Blitz, and an RAF Hurricane night-fighter pilot, will become a valuable addition to the portfolios of serious collectors of aviation art. 

Robert Taylor's Fury of Assault is signed by four Luftwaffe Heinkel pilots who flew with KG55 during World War II along with an RAF Hurricane night-fighter pilot:
Flight Lieutenant ROY DAINES DFM*
Oberleutnant JOACHIM BERKING
Unteroffizier Fahnenjunker WALTER BOGDAN
Oberleutnant HEINRICH SUDEL
Oberleutnant KARL-HORST MEYER zum FELDE.

Condition: this print has a small soft kink in the lower tinted border area, visible if you look at the print along the edge but not really noticeable from a normal viewing angle and distance - should be fine framed. It has a couple of small dark dots in the top tinted border which could be covered by framing. There are couple of small white dots in the lower tinted area which are very difficult to spot unless you are specifically looking for them - again not visible at a normal viewing distance. The print is otherwise in fine condition, the image area is perfect and unfaded - it is supplied with the original Certificate of Authenticity. It is being sold on behalf of one of our long standing collectors. It was purchased directly from ourselves some years ago and has been stored flat and dark at room temperature ever since. This classic Robert Taylor print would normally be around £200.

A fine opportunity to acquire a dramatic Robert Taylor print with some desirable signatures at a modest price.

The faults would be difficult to show in a photograph - however the print is covered by our 'No Quibble Guarantee' so if its not as you expected you can return it for a full refund.