framed print
Item
Title
framed print
Description
framed Robert Taylor print "Battle of Britain VC" signed by Eric Knightley (companion to James Nicolson) painting is of a Huricane fighter falling while on fire as James Nicolson is climbing out. In background a german aircraft on fire is retreating
Identifier
011.100.005
Provenance
On 16 August 1940 near Southampton, England, Nicolson's Hurricane was fired on by a Messerschmitt Bf 110, injuring the pilot in one eye and one foot. His engine was also damaged and the petrol tank set alight. As he struggled to leave the blazing machine he saw another Messerschmitt, and managing to get back into the bucket seat, pressed the firing button and continued firing until the enemy plane dived away to destruction. Not until then did he bail out, and he was able to open his parachute in time to land safely in a field. On his descent, he was fired on by excited Home Guard troops, who ignored his cry of being a RAF pilot. The VC was gazetted on 15 November 1940.
Abstract
Good
Date Created
1984