Brooks Aviation Art  Philip West   

Height of the Battle

by Philip E. West


At the height of the Battle of Britain Wing Commander Tom Neil is about to join in the combat with German bombers over London. In the Summer of 1940 the RAF stood alone facing an enemy determined in their goal of total victory. Little did they understand the mentality of the defenders strength of conviction, courage and sheer bloody mindedness to protect the homeland. British and Commonwealth pilots together with others from far off lands joined the RAF in battle and after much sacrifice won the air war for all freedom loving people.

18" x 27"

Available in the following editions

100 Primary edition   Signed by: The artist. $160 
40 Artist's proof    Signed by: Group Captain Billy Drake DSO, DFC*, DFC (US) $210 
10  Remarque Signed by: Group Captain Billy Drake DSO, DFC*, DFC (US)  $460  


Artist's proof & Remarque signatory

Group Captain Billy Drake joined the RAF on a Short Service Commission in July 1936. He joined No. 1 Squadron at RAF Tangmere in May 1937 flying the Hawker Fury before converting to the Hawker Hurricane.

He flew Hurricanes in France at the outbreak of war, scoring his first victory in May 1940. Having achieved two further victories over France he was shot down and wounded by a Messerschmitt BF 110. In October 1940 he returned to operational duty with No 213 Squadron at RAF Tangmere, flying Spitfires. Posted to the Western Desert in early 1942, Billy Drake took command of 112 Squadron, flying P40 Kittyhawks, leading them with considerable success. He later served in Malta, and then as Wing Leader of 20 Typhoon Wing. Billy Drake was an outstanding Ace, scoring 24½ victories and in addition, another 13 aircraft on the ground.



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