The Battle for Britain by Robert Taylor features Spitfires and Me109s in combat over Dover during the Battle of Britain.

A Battle of Britain Spitfire from 610 Squadron takes on a Me109 from I./JG3 in a head-on attack high over the south coast port of Dover, in the late morning of 10 July 1940. With the Battle of Britain in its early stages, on the morning of Wednesday 10 July 1940, a convoy of slow-moving cargo ships heading along the south coast came under attack from a formidable force of Dornier Do17 bombers, escorted by five squadrons of fighters. RAF Fighter Command scrambled several squadrons to meet the oncoming force in an effort to protect the ships, and a massive dogfight involving more than a hundred planes developed in the region of Dover. 

Ripping into the oncoming bombers, the RAF fighters attacked head-on - a hazardous tactic requiring great courage, but highly effective in unnerving bomber crews, causing them to swerve out of formation and abandon their target. Head-on collisions were not uncommon. The great battle raged well into the afternoon, and by evening the insurgents had been driven back to their bases in France to lick their wounds. Only one direct hit was scored by the enemy, when a 700 ton sloop was sunk. The Luftwaffe lost nineteen aircraft, and although the RAF had seven aircraft damaged, it lost only one pilot that day. 

Robert Taylor's dramatic painting captures a head-on attack between two seasoned pilots high over the port of Dover in the late morning of 10 July 1940. A Spitfire from 610 Squadron, flown by Squadron Leader Andrew Smith, has taken on a Me109 from I./JG3, the two aircraft having flashed past each other at a closing speed nearing 800mph. Smith was forced to crash-land his damaged aircraft at Hawkinge following this encounter, but the gallant squadron commander was to lose his life following combat with Me109s just two weeks later. 

Below the duelling aces, other aircraft contest the air above the old port, while the coastline is seen stretching west into the distance. A superb limited edition recreating a typical scene from the first decisive battle ever fought exclusively in the air.

Robert Taylor's Limited Edition, The Battle For Britain - the Battle of Britain Proofs, is signed by 15 distinguished Battle of Britain veteran pilots:
Wing Commander TERENCE KANE
Flight Lieutenant RICHARD L JONES
Generalleutnant GÜNTHER RALL
Oberleutnant GÛNTHER SEEGER
Squadron Leader J G MILLARD
Major HANS-EKKEHARD BOB
Oberleutnant ERWIN LEYKAUF
Wing Commander GEORGE 'GRUMPY' UNWIN DSO DFM*
Wing Commander GEORGE W SWANWICK
Group Captain GEORGE H WESTLAKE DSO DFC
Wing Commander WILFRED M SIZER DFC*
Flight Lieutenant MICHAEL E CROSKELL
Wing Commander PADDY BARTHROPP DFC
Squadron Leader DES FOPP
Wing Commander 'BUNNY' CURRANT DSO DFC*

Condition - this copy has a 3.5 cm indentation in the lower white border area, about 3 cm from the outer edge of the print. It looks like something with a sharpish edge has dragged across the surface of the print, it would be concealed by framing. It is otherwise a mint condition 'as new' copy, having never been framed and having been stored flat and dark at room temperature. It comes with the original Certificate of Authenticity. A superb set of signatures - ideal for someone wanting a modestly priced copy of this print for framing and display. Normal price for a perfect example of this print would be £495.

The fault 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.