The Final Show by Robert Taylor

In May 1944 Wing Commander Roland ‘Bee’ Beamont led three squadrons of Hawker Tempests into operations for the first time. Flying from RAF Newchurch in Kent, one of the advanced landing grounds constructed in preparation for the invasion of France, they formed 150 Wing RAF.

The far-sighted Beamont had almost single-handedly overseen the transformation of the Hawker Typhoon into the most potent ground attack aircraft of its day before turning his attention to its successor – the Tempest. With thinner wings, greater range, improved ailerons, a redesigned windscreen and all-round ‘rear vision’ canopy it was a significant improvement on the Typhoon.

Through the last year of the war, the unwavering pilots who flew these two mighty aircraft became the scourge of the German Army, blasting their way through armoured formations, destroying airfields, shipping, barges, bridges, trains, marshalling yards, rail hubs, anything to support the advancing British and Canadian armies as they battled their way through Belgium and the Netherlands towards the Rhine. And, as an increasingly desperate enemy fought back with V-1 ‘Doodlebug’ flying bombs, the Typhoon and Tempest pilots destroyed those too – 150 Wing alone accounting for 638 V-1s destroyed.

As the remnants of Hitler’s once-fabled army collapsed under the onslaught, many high-ranking Nazis were faced with a choice – go down fighting or cut and run. Many chose to run, heading north to the Baltic coast with one aim in mind – a last-chance passage to neutral Sweden.  The Tempest pilots of 150 Wing, graphically portrayed in Robert Taylor’s painting, were amongst those tasked with stopping their escape.

Once again the world’s most collected aviation artist has produced an astounding work that is set to become the defining image of the Hawker Tempest. Some of the greatest pilots of the RAF flew this iconic aircraft and Robert has depicted the final combat of the war for one such pilot – the legendary fighter Ace Pierre Clostermann.

A Flight Commander with 3 Squadron, Clostermann is at the controls of his distinctive Tempest ‘Le Grand Charles’ during a strafing raid against the heavily-defended seaplane base at Grossenbrode, on the coast to the north of Lübeck. Having just destroyed two Dornier Do18 flying boats on the water, he now helps finish off a Bf109 and an Fw190 that have tried to pounce from above.

With the prints signed by distinguished veterans who flew Hawker Typhoons and Tempests in combat during World War II, this historic release will become highly prized by aviation art collectors and history enthusiasts everywhere.

We are offering the Limited Edition, Victory in Europe and Victory in Europe Proof editions through our Webshop. Should you like one of the now very limited Remarque, Double Remarques or the Tribute Edition, please contact us for a price at [email protected].

Note: All orders will be packaged and shipped from Aces High Gallery. By completing a purchase of this print you agree to the Hawker Typhoon Preservation Group sharing your information with Aces High/Military Gallery for the completion of your order.

Media: Lithograph
Size: 34 x 24.5 inches
Release Date: 7/2017

Editions that feature original and unique artwork, such as Remarque, Tribute and matted editions, are specifically hand-crafted to order. As a result, our normal delivery policies do not apply to these items but we’ll be sure to update you as soon as your drawing is complete. If you have any particular request for your remarque drawing – such as specific aircraft markings – please ask when placing your order and we will do our best to accommodate.

Framing is available through Ace High. If you would like your print framed, please contact us at [email protected] for an estimate of the cost. More information can be found on the Aces High website here.