“Gunfight Over Rabaul”, by Nicolas
Trudgian (1996)
Rabaul was a major Japanese-held base in the Solomon Islands during World War II. It was a lynchpin for Japan’s naval and air power in the South Pacific, equipped with extensive deep water shipping facilities which were heavily defended by a large airbase. Nicolas Trudgian depicts the events of December, 1943, when a flight of American B-24 Liberator heavy bombers attacked Rabaul’s docks and harbor, with Vought F4U fighters of VMF 214 “Black Sheep” squadron providing top air cover. Rabaul itself was never invaded by the Allies directly, but was rather bombed and shelled into surrender in September, 1944. This print is signed by WWII Corsair pilots Lt. Col. John F. Bolt, Lt. Col. Roger Conant, Col. Archie G. Donahue, Lt. Col. Kenneth A. Walsh, and the artist. Framed in black wood beveled frame with anti-reflective glass. Frame size: 37 ¼ x 27 ½ inches. Print size 30 x 20 inches. #136 in an edition of 500 worldwide. Provided with certificate of authenticity from the Military Gallery, Bath, England.
$720.00