Al Deere: Kiwi II Spitfire 1A

Description

ALAN DEERE’S KIWI II – Spitfire IA
The second in the Battle of Britain Series
The AP denotes Artist’s Proof, from the private collection of the artist. These are the first 50 – 100 prints off the press once the artist has approved the color. As a result, these are highly collectible editions and cost a bit more than the limited edition signed and numbered editions. Image 19 1/2″ x 27″ with margins; overall 22 3/4″ x 30″
Limited edition of 950 signed and numbered prints with 50 Artist’s Proofs. In addition to the artist’s signature, each print is co-autographed by the pilot Air Commodore Alan C. Deere, DSO, OBE, DFE and BAR. DFC (US), RAF (Ret.).

The Painting: Late afternoon 9 July 1940 Red and Yellow sections of No. 54 Squadron, RAF were patrolling the Dover-Deal area just off the coast of England where 15 Bf 109 E’s were sighted. A head-on fight developed between two pilots with neither giving in, both firing as they closed in, both machines receiving hits. Al Deere’s windshield filled with the approaching German aircraft and then the terrifying grinding blow as the 109 slammed into the Spit’s propeller blades stopping the engine. Eventually he was able to bring his crippled aircraft onto the ground crashing through anti-invasion posts skidding to a halt in a cornfield. The Bf 109 was splashed and claimed as a victory.
The incident depicted in the print was one of nine close calls this amazing pilot survived throughout the war. Some were bailouts, others crash landings. In his book NINE LIVES, Al Deere tells his fascinating story. He ended the war with 22 confirmed victories, was the Aide-de-campe to H.M. the Queen, and retired as Air Commodore with DSO, OBE, DFC and Bar. DFC (US), and Croix de Guerre with palm leaves.