Normandy Breakout by Nicolas Trudgian features Spitfires of 132 Squadron over Normandy.

Spitfires of No. 132 Squadron rush towards the Front to give ground support to the advancing Allied forces following breakout from the Normandy beaches, June J944. Wing Commander Geoffrey Page had no business risking life and limb at low level in a Spitfire in the maelstrom of D-Day and the heavy fighting that followed. On 12 August 1940, during the height of the Battle of Britain, he had been shot down in his Hurricane in flames. Page scrambled out of the inferno, baling out into the sea, but his bums were so severe he spent most of the next two years in hospital undergoing skin grafts. Most would have called it a day, but not the young Page. Showing the hallmark determination common among fighter pilots, he was back in the air by the spring of 1943. Immediately successful, on 29 June he and another pilot shot down 6 enemy aircraft in one ten minute encounter and by the following summer he was given command of 125 Wing. 

By D-Day Geoffrey Page commanded 132 Squadron's Spitfires, taking an active role in the invasion, and the heavy fighting in the weeks that followed. Nicolas Trudgian's stunning painting brings to life a typical ground support mission flown by 132 Squadron Spitfires just a few days after the invasion, as the Allied troops break out from the Normandy beach-heads. Hurtling at low-level they will seek out targets of opportunity, harry the retreating German forces, and take on any enemy fighters who venture near the battlefront. Below, American armour rumbles through a recently liberated French village, shaking the foundations of the quaint old buildings as they advance towards the Front. A painting that encapsulates a moment of high drama, providing a wonderfully nostalgic study of the immortal Spitfire in action. 

Nicolas Trudgian's Limited Edition, Normandy Breakout (D-Day Anniversary Edition), is signed by eight highly distinguished fighter pilots who flew combat missions on D-Day and during the Battle for Normandy:
Air Commodore JOHN ELLACOMBE CB DFC*
Wing Commander TOM NEIL DFC* AFC
Wing Commander GEORGE UNWIN DSO DFM*
Flight Lieutenant Sir ARCHIE LAMB KBE CMG DFC
Flying Officer FRANK WHEELER DFC
Squadron Leader PAT CARDEN DFC AE
Commander MIKE CROSSLEY DSC* Royal Navy
Wing Commander JACK ROSE CMG MBE DFC.

Published in 2003 this print sold out some time ago and is becoming increasingly difficult to find. This copy is in mint condition and comes with the original Certificate of Authenticity.

Condition: this copy has a noticeable handling kink in the right hand white border. It is about 4 cm long and is about 2 cm in from the outer edge of the print - it would not be visible if the print were framed. It is otherwise 'as new', having never been framed and having been stored flat and dark at room temperature. It comes with the original Certificate of Authenticity. Normal price for a perfect example of this print would be £185.

The fault would be difficult to show accurately 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.

Note: the 'Nicolas Trudgian' logo on the bottom right of the image does not appear on the actual print itself.