Original art print of the Short Stirling, the first four-engined heavy bomber to enter Royal Air Force (RAF) service during the Second World War, from 1940 onwards. Powered by four Bristol Hercules engines, the Stirling was initially popular with pilots for its agility and handling, able to out-turn German night fighters. Stirlings formed part of the the initial Pathfinder Force, and took part in the first 'Thousand Bomber Raid' against Cologne (Operation Millennium). Later in the war, the Handley Page Halifax and Avro Lancaster eclipsed the Short Stirling as a heavy bomber, and the Stirling was repurposed in other roles, primarily minelaying and transport. The Stirling also played an important role as a glider tug during the Allied offensives in Western Europe, delivering gliders during D-Day and Operation Market Garden.
Depicted in this illustration is Short Stirling "MacRobert's Reply", of No. XV Bomber Squadron; XV Squadron was unusual in using the numerals 'XV' rather than the number '15', a decision taken by the squadron's CO Sir Thomas Elmhirst; Elmhirst would later be first commander-in-chief of the Royal Indian Air Force, and organised the funeral of Mahatma Gandhi. "MacRobert's Reply" was purchased by Lady MacRobert, an aristocrat who had lost two of her sons in RAF service, and a third in a civil aviation accident. Lady MacRobert later purchased Hawker Hurricanes for No. 94 Squadron, named after each of her sons: Sir Iain, Sir Roderic, and Sir Alasdair. Since 1943 the MacRobert Trust has supported the RAF, and the name "MacRobert's Reply" continues to be used for RAF aircraft. It is currently born by a Eurofighter Typhoon of No. 6 Squadron RAF.
This illustration by artist Rob Wisdom is a high-quality Giclée art print on cotton-rich fine art paper. It is ideal for World War 2 history enthusiasts, Royal Air Force supporters, and fans of aviation history more generally.
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12x16" art print shown. Cropping and title position (if applicable) may differ slightly on 'A' size art prints.
