"The Gallant Ohio"
by Robert Taylor

Of all the tortuous Malta convoys, OPERATION PEDESTAL was perhaps the most crucial. By August 1942 the tiny island's airfield and naval base were virtually out of action owing to lack of fuel, the air and sea defenses depleted of ammunition, and the island population close to starvation. Unless immediate supplies could be shipped in, the Allied's only base in the Mediterranean faced surrender.

Capitulation would give the Axis forces a free hand in the theater. Churchill knew it and so did Hitler, and as a result OPERATION PEDESTAL became the most heavily defended and heavily attacked convoy in history.

Combining his world-renowned skills as a painter of aviation and maritime subjects, Robert Taylor has
recreated a poignant scene from one of the most heavily fought air/sea battles of World War II, to produce a masterpiece of historical art.

Depicted 50 miles out of Malta, the American Tanker OHIO lies dead in the water, her decks almost awash. The destroyer HMS BRAMHAM is lashed alongside the stricken tanker. A second destroyer, HMS PENN, is closing on her starboard quarter, while a third HMS LEDBURY, positions herself astern to provide steerage. An ocean-going tug and a minesweeper have arrived to assist.

Above, Spitfires of 126 and 185 Squadrons bring down a enemy aircraft making a last desperate attack upon the gallant flotilla.

Robert has encapsulated an air of cool determination within a panoramic scenario of desperate and crucial action to produce a truly remarkable historic military painting.

Limited edition prints are individually signed by Spitfire pilots who took part in the epic OPERATION PEDESTAL convoy which played such a vital role in saving Malta, and ultimate victory in the Mediterranean.

Those who joined Robert Taylor in signing the print are: Flight Lieutenant Tony Holland, Admiral of the Fleet Lord Lewin, Wing Commander P. B. (Laddie) Lucas, Lieutenant Commander G. G. Marten, and Lieutenant Peter Twiss.