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Battle for the Islands by Nicolas Trudgian. - Cranston Military Prints

Battle for the Islands by Nicolas Trudgian.


Battle for the Islands by Nicolas Trudgian.

Corsairs of VMF 121 provide close air support to the US landings on Rendova, June 30, 1943. Fiercely contested, the invasion force was heavily attacked by Zero fighters and Mitsubishi G4M1 Betty bombers, flying from their base at Rabaul. Dog-fighting at tree-top height, VMF 121 Corsairs rip into a bunch of Betty bombers as they try to make their escape following their attack on shipping. On fire, the Betty in the foreground is doomed, and will shortly become one of 19 Japanese aircraft accounted for by VMF 121. Other Marine fighter units brought the total this day to a staggering 58 enemy aircraft destroyed.
Item Code : DHM2047YBattle for the Islands by Nicolas Trudgian. - Editions AvailableExtra....



A photograph of an edition of the print.

DESCRIPTIONSIZESIGNATURESOFFERSPRICEPURCHASINGPACKS
Signed limited edition of 600 prints. Paper size 36 inches x 22 inches (91cm x 56cm)
Baker, Robert M

Colonel Robert M Baker USMC
Bob Baker joined the Marine Corps in 1941 and first saw combat in the Pacific theater in February 1942. By the summer of 1943 he was flying F4Us with VMF 121 over the Solomons. On June 30 he downed three Zeros in one fight. Two days later he and three of his flight were attacked by a large force of over forty Zeros, Baker shot down two in the action to become an Ace. For these actions he was awarded the DFC. He fought at Rendova, also Guadalcanal and Munda.
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

Porter, Robert Bruce

Died : 2009
Colonel Bruce Porter USMC (deceased)
After a tour in the Pacific, Bruce joined VMF 121 in 1943 at Guadalcanal and soon downed 4 Zeros. He served tours with VMF (N) 511 (first all-Marine carrier squadron) and later VMF (N) 533. He helped lead that squadron on one of the longest over-water flights of WWII for a single engined aircraft - flying from the Marshall-Gilbert islands to Saipan-Iwo Jima. On June 15, 1945 he scored a double night victory at Okinawa, making him an Ace. He was probably the only Marine pilot to gain two or more
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Swett, James E

Died : 2009
Colonel James E Swett USMC MOH (deceased)
Jim Swett became one of the top-scoring F4U Aces, with 15.5 victories in 94 missions in the Corsair, but he had already earned himself the Congressional Medal of Honor piloting the F4F Wildcat before switching to the F4U. Leading a four plane section with VMF 221 on April 7, 1942 he shot down no fewer than 7 Japanese Val dive-bombers in an engagement over Tulagi Harbor, before taking a hit himself, and ditching in the sea. In all Jim Swett flew 211 combat missions, 94 in F4U Corsairs, made 120 c
Signature Value : £50
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
+ Artist : Nicolas Trudgian


Signature(s) value alone : £140
£60 Off!
Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!
Now : £150.00

Quantity:
In 3 Pairs
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Limited edition of artist proofs. Paper size 36 inches x 22 inches (91cm x 56cm)
Baker, Robert M

Colonel Robert M Baker USMC
Bob Baker joined the Marine Corps in 1941 and first saw combat in the Pacific theater in February 1942. By the summer of 1943 he was flying F4Us with VMF 121 over the Solomons. On June 30 he downed three Zeros in one fight. Two days later he and three of his flight were attacked by a large force of over forty Zeros, Baker shot down two in the action to become an Ace. For these actions he was awarded the DFC. He fought at Rendova, also Guadalcanal and Munda.
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

Porter, Robert Bruce

Died : 2009
Colonel Bruce Porter USMC (deceased)
After a tour in the Pacific, Bruce joined VMF 121 in 1943 at Guadalcanal and soon downed 4 Zeros. He served tours with VMF (N) 511 (first all-Marine carrier squadron) and later VMF (N) 533. He helped lead that squadron on one of the longest over-water flights of WWII for a single engined aircraft - flying from the Marshall-Gilbert islands to Saipan-Iwo Jima. On June 15, 1945 he scored a double night victory at Okinawa, making him an Ace. He was probably the only Marine pilot to gain two or more
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Swett, James E

Died : 2009
Colonel James E Swett USMC MOH (deceased)
Jim Swett became one of the top-scoring F4U Aces, with 15.5 victories in 94 missions in the Corsair, but he had already earned himself the Congressional Medal of Honor piloting the F4F Wildcat before switching to the F4U. Leading a four plane section with VMF 221 on April 7, 1942 he shot down no fewer than 7 Japanese Val dive-bombers in an engagement over Tulagi Harbor, before taking a hit himself, and ditching in the sea. In all Jim Swett flew 211 combat missions, 94 in F4U Corsairs, made 120 c
Signature Value : £50
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
+ Artist : Nicolas Trudgian


Signature(s) value alone : £140
£100 Off!Now : £200.00

Quantity:
Limited edition of publishers proofs. Paper size 36 inches x 22 inches (91cm x 56cm)
Baker, Robert M

Colonel Robert M Baker USMC
Bob Baker joined the Marine Corps in 1941 and first saw combat in the Pacific theater in February 1942. By the summer of 1943 he was flying F4Us with VMF 121 over the Solomons. On June 30 he downed three Zeros in one fight. Two days later he and three of his flight were attacked by a large force of over forty Zeros, Baker shot down two in the action to become an Ace. For these actions he was awarded the DFC. He fought at Rendova, also Guadalcanal and Munda.
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

Porter, Robert Bruce

Died : 2009
Colonel Bruce Porter USMC (deceased)
After a tour in the Pacific, Bruce joined VMF 121 in 1943 at Guadalcanal and soon downed 4 Zeros. He served tours with VMF (N) 511 (first all-Marine carrier squadron) and later VMF (N) 533. He helped lead that squadron on one of the longest over-water flights of WWII for a single engined aircraft - flying from the Marshall-Gilbert islands to Saipan-Iwo Jima. On June 15, 1945 he scored a double night victory at Okinawa, making him an Ace. He was probably the only Marine pilot to gain two or more
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Swett, James E

Died : 2009
Colonel James E Swett USMC MOH (deceased)
Jim Swett became one of the top-scoring F4U Aces, with 15.5 victories in 94 missions in the Corsair, but he had already earned himself the Congressional Medal of Honor piloting the F4F Wildcat before switching to the F4U. Leading a four plane section with VMF 221 on April 7, 1942 he shot down no fewer than 7 Japanese Val dive-bombers in an engagement over Tulagi Harbor, before taking a hit himself, and ditching in the sea. In all Jim Swett flew 211 combat missions, 94 in F4U Corsairs, made 120 c
Signature Value : £50
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
+ Artist : Nicolas Trudgian


Signature(s) value alone : £140
£30 Off!
Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!
Now : £180.00

Quantity:
Limited edition of 60 artists special reserve prints, signed by the artist only. Paper size 36 inches x 22 inches (91cm x 56cm)Artist : Nicolas Trudgian£20 Off!
Add any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!
Now : £100.00

Quantity:
Promotional Flyer A5 Size Double Sheet 6 inches x 8 inches (15m x 21cm)noneAdd any two items on this offer to your basket, and the lower priced item will be half price in the checkout!£2.00

Quantity:
Limited edition of 25 remarques. Paper size 36 inches x 22 inches (91cm x 56cm)
Swett, James E

Died : 2009
Colonel James E Swett USMC MOH (deceased)
Jim Swett became one of the top-scoring F4U Aces, with 15.5 victories in 94 missions in the Corsair, but he had already earned himself the Congressional Medal of Honor piloting the F4F Wildcat before switching to the F4U. Leading a four plane section with VMF 221 on April 7, 1942 he shot down no fewer than 7 Japanese Val dive-bombers in an engagement over Tulagi Harbor, before taking a hit himself, and ditching in the sea. In all Jim Swett flew 211 combat missions, 94 in F4U Corsairs, made 120 c
Signature Value : £50
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Baker, Robert M

Colonel Robert M Baker USMC
Bob Baker joined the Marine Corps in 1941 and first saw combat in the Pacific theater in February 1942. By the summer of 1943 he was flying F4Us with VMF 121 over the Solomons. On June 30 he downed three Zeros in one fight. Two days later he and three of his flight were attacked by a large force of over forty Zeros, Baker shot down two in the action to become an Ace. For these actions he was awarded the DFC. He fought at Rendova, also Guadalcanal and Munda.
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

Porter, Robert Bruce

Died : 2009
Colonel Bruce Porter USMC (deceased)
After a tour in the Pacific, Bruce joined VMF 121 in 1943 at Guadalcanal and soon downed 4 Zeros. He served tours with VMF (N) 511 (first all-Marine carrier squadron) and later VMF (N) 533. He helped lead that squadron on one of the longest over-water flights of WWII for a single engined aircraft - flying from the Marshall-Gilbert islands to Saipan-Iwo Jima. On June 15, 1945 he scored a double night victory at Okinawa, making him an Ace. He was probably the only Marine pilot to gain two or more
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
+ Artist : Nicolas Trudgian


Signature(s) value alone : £140
£400.00

Quantity:
Signed limited edition of 600 prints.
Great value : Value of signatures exceeds price of item!
Paper size 36 inches x 22 inches (91cm x 56cm)
Swett, James E

Died : 2009
Colonel James E Swett USMC MOH (deceased)
Jim Swett became one of the top-scoring F4U Aces, with 15.5 victories in 94 missions in the Corsair, but he had already earned himself the Congressional Medal of Honor piloting the F4F Wildcat before switching to the F4U. Leading a four plane section with VMF 221 on April 7, 1942 he shot down no fewer than 7 Japanese Val dive-bombers in an engagement over Tulagi Harbor, before taking a hit himself, and ditching in the sea. In all Jim Swett flew 211 combat missions, 94 in F4U Corsairs, made 120 c
Signature Value : £50
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Baker, Robert M

Colonel Robert M Baker USMC
Bob Baker joined the Marine Corps in 1941 and first saw combat in the Pacific theater in February 1942. By the summer of 1943 he was flying F4Us with VMF 121 over the Solomons. On June 30 he downed three Zeros in one fight. Two days later he and three of his flight were attacked by a large force of over forty Zeros, Baker shot down two in the action to become an Ace. For these actions he was awarded the DFC. He fought at Rendova, also Guadalcanal and Munda.
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

Porter, Robert Bruce

Died : 2009
Colonel Bruce Porter USMC (deceased)
After a tour in the Pacific, Bruce joined VMF 121 in 1943 at Guadalcanal and soon downed 4 Zeros. He served tours with VMF (N) 511 (first all-Marine carrier squadron) and later VMF (N) 533. He helped lead that squadron on one of the longest over-water flights of WWII for a single engined aircraft - flying from the Marshall-Gilbert islands to Saipan-Iwo Jima. On June 15, 1945 he scored a double night victory at Okinawa, making him an Ace. He was probably the only Marine pilot to gain two or more
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
+ Artist : Nicolas Trudgian


Signature(s) value alone : £140
£135.00

Quantity:
**Signed limited edition of 600 prints. (One print reduced to clear) Paper size 36 inches x 22 inches (91cm x 56cm)
Baker, Robert M

Colonel Robert M Baker USMC
Bob Baker joined the Marine Corps in 1941 and first saw combat in the Pacific theater in February 1942. By the summer of 1943 he was flying F4Us with VMF 121 over the Solomons. On June 30 he downed three Zeros in one fight. Two days later he and three of his flight were attacked by a large force of over forty Zeros, Baker shot down two in the action to become an Ace. For these actions he was awarded the DFC. He fought at Rendova, also Guadalcanal and Munda.
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE

Porter, Robert Bruce

Died : 2009
Colonel Bruce Porter USMC (deceased)
After a tour in the Pacific, Bruce joined VMF 121 in 1943 at Guadalcanal and soon downed 4 Zeros. He served tours with VMF (N) 511 (first all-Marine carrier squadron) and later VMF (N) 533. He helped lead that squadron on one of the longest over-water flights of WWII for a single engined aircraft - flying from the Marshall-Gilbert islands to Saipan-Iwo Jima. On June 15, 1945 he scored a double night victory at Okinawa, making him an Ace. He was probably the only Marine pilot to gain two or more
Signature Value : £45
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
Swett, James E

Died : 2009
Colonel James E Swett USMC MOH (deceased)
Jim Swett became one of the top-scoring F4U Aces, with 15.5 victories in 94 missions in the Corsair, but he had already earned himself the Congressional Medal of Honor piloting the F4F Wildcat before switching to the F4U. Leading a four plane section with VMF 221 on April 7, 1942 he shot down no fewer than 7 Japanese Val dive-bombers in an engagement over Tulagi Harbor, before taking a hit himself, and ditching in the sea. In all Jim Swett flew 211 combat missions, 94 in F4U Corsairs, made 120 c
Signature Value : £50
CLICK HERE FOR FULL PROFILE
 
+ Artist : Nicolas Trudgian


Signature(s) value alone : £140
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Some other related items available from this site.

 The Grumman F4F Wildcat was the third monoplane to see carrier service with the Navy. It was also the fighter aircraft which would carry the brunt of the fighting in the Pacific until 1943 when the F6F Hellcat would enter service. The Wildcat was flow by both USN and USMC aviators. The Wildcat lacked the range and maneuverability of the Mitsubishi Zeros it often faced, but the Wildcat was more heavily armed and able to take a lot more punishment than the Mitsubishis. Most of the pilots which obtained ace status while flying the F4F obtained most of their victories against Japanese bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. Eight individuals were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor while displaying valor while in command of an F4F. The pilots of no other aircraft during WW II were as highly decorated. One of the most outstanding of this elite group was USMC Captain Joseph Jacob Foss. Foss, a South Dakota native, had been accepted as a naval aviation cadet following his graduation from the University of South Dakota. Foss had already learned to fly on his own, and had no difficulty earning his wings. Foss flew with VMF-121 in Guadacanal in 1942 and early 1943. He was credited with 26 confirmed aerial victories, making him the first American aviator to reach the victory record of the famed Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, one of Joes boyhood heroes. The ground based fighter pilots in Guadacanal were often referred to as The Cactus Air Force.  As the Executive Officer of VMF-121 flying out of Henderson Field, Joes amazing victory tally helped make VMF-121 the highest scoring Marine squadron of the War. The success at Guadacanal was not without a heavy price. More than 20% of VMF-121s pilots did not return from the campaign. The squadrons best combat day in Guadacanal was on October 25, 1942. Eighteen aerial victories were credited to the squadron, with Foss leading the way with five Zeros bagged on two combat missions. Because it was impossible to permanently assign aircraft at Guadacanal, Foss flew several different Wildcats, including those numbered 53, 50, and 84. Nicknamed Swivel-Neck-Joe by some his fellow pilots, Foss learned early that it did not pay to be surprised by the opposition. Foss also leaned that the most effective way to down an opposing aircraft was to get as close to it as possible before utilizing ones limited supply of ammunition. As depicted in Stan Stokes painting entitled Tough As Nails, Joe Foss is tangling with a F1M2 Pete on November 7, 1942. Joes first pass over the much slower float plane proves ineffective, and the Petes gunner actually stars the portside glass of Foss windscreen. Circling around, and approaching from below, the Pete would soon become his eighteenth victory. Returning from this mission Foss would have to ditch his aircraft. He was rescued by missionaries and returned to combat flying the next day. Joes second combat tour in 1943 was cut short due to the ongoing effects of a bout with malaria. Joe served in the Air Force Reserve after the War reaching the rank of Brigadier General. Following a successful career in both politics and professional sports, Foss has remained active and was instrumental in the formation of the American Fighter Aces Association, and has served as President of the NRA.

Tough as Nails by Stan Stokes.
 Pappy Boyington bringing his Vought F4U-1A Bu No 17883 of VMF-214 in to land at Turtle Bay Airfield, Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides Islands, in December 1943.  Although often depicted in another aircraft, Boyington flew 883 more than any other of his Corsairs.

Tribute to Pappy Boyington by Ivan Berryman.
 A dramatic low-level attack on a Japanese base near Rabaul is in progress by F-4U Corsairs of 16 Squadron, RNZAF. Taking the lead is Bryan Cox, as the Corsairs leave a trail of smoke and debris in their wake. Water vapor is squeezed out of the humid atmosphere as Coxs wingman banks sharply to avoid groundfire. The Kiwi Corsairs buccaneered their way through the intensly fought campaigns in the Solomons and Guadalcanal.

Kiwi Strike by Nicolas Trudgian
 A new U.S. Navy fighter squadron designated VF-11 was organized in August 1942. The new squadron received several combat tested pilots, and many newcomers, including Vernon E. Graham, a Colorado native. After two months of training in San Diego the new squadron deployed to Maui, where, under the command of Charles Fenton, the squadron commenced a comprehensive training program. While in Hawaii several of VF-11s pilots came up with a squadron insignia which depicted two Grumman F4F Wildcats blasting a rising sun into the Pacific. Thus VF- 11 became known as the Sun Downers. The Sun Downers first combat tour would be land-based, flying out of Guadacanal with the Marines. This was a bit upsetting to some member of the squadron as the Marines were flying the state-of-the-art F4U Corsair, while VF-11 was equipped with the older Grumman F4F Wildcat, an aircraft somewhat inferior in dog fighting capability to the Japanese Zero. During the first several weeks of its first combat tour the Sun Downers had more than their share of misfortune. Several aircraft were lost without enemy opposition. This was all to change in a hurry for the young Vern Graham. Graham had flown about thirty missions without incident. Returning from a long escort mission Graham and his formation of sixteen Wildcats responded to a request for help from four Marine Corsairs which had encountered nearly forty Japanese Zeros while on patrol near Russell Island. Only eight of the Wildcats had sufficient fuel to engage the enemy. Disregarding his critical fuel situation, Graham and his wing man got involved in assisting the Marines. Graham bagged his first Zero with a diving attack while his adversary was more preoccupied with the Corsair he was tailing. Minutes later a second Zero succumbed to a high side attack, and a third exploded in mid-air during a head-on pass. Graham bagged two more prior to his engine quitting due to lack of fuel. Without power Graham was a sitting duck, and in no time two Zeros were on his tail. Fortunately, Grahams Marine buddies bagged one and chased the other off. In serious trouble, Grahams only hope was to glide his Wildcat to Russell Island where an emergency airstrip was available. Not knowing that one of his wheels had been shot away during the engagement, Grahams Wildcat flipped over during the emergency landing. Knocked unconscious with a fractured skull, Graham was cut from the wreckage of his F4F, and sent to a military hospital. With five confirmed aerial victories during this single mission, Graham had achieved the unusual distinction of becoming An Ace in a Day. Vern received the Navy Cross and returned to the States to recover. He would later return to active flying after requalifying in the F41J Corsair. During its first combat tour the Sun Downers attained 55 aerial victories. Four of the new squadrons pilots became aces, and five of the squadrons forty pilots (C.G. Boswell, C.G. Cary, L.W. Childs, T.L. Hull, and G.W. Ricker) were killed in action. It is in their memory that this limited edition print is dedicated.

Ace in a Day by Stan Stokes.
Signatures on these products
*The value given for each signature has been calculated by us based on the historical significance and rarity of the signature and is for the unmatted version where available. Values of many pilot signatures have risen in recent years and will likely continue to rise as they become more and more rare.
NameInfo




Colonel Robert M Baker USMC
*Signature Value : £45

Editions signed :

Signed limited edition of 600 prints.
Limited edition of artist proofs.
Limited edition of publishers proofs.
Limited edition of 25 remarques.
Signed limited edition of 600 prints.
**Signed limited edition of 600 prints. (One print reduced to clear)


Baker, Robert M
(Colonel Robert M Baker USMC)

Bob Baker joined the Marine Corps in 1941 and first saw combat in the Pacific theater in February 1942. By the summer of 1943 he was flying F4Us with VMF 121 over the Solomons. On June 30 he downed three Zeros in one fight. Two days later he and three of his flight were attacked by a large force of over forty Zeros, Baker shot down two in the action to become an Ace. For these actions he was awarded the DFC. He fought at Rendova, also Guadalcanal and Munda.




Colonel Bruce Porter USMC (deceased)
Died : 2009
*Signature Value : £45

Editions signed :

Signed limited edition of 600 prints.
Limited edition of artist proofs.
Limited edition of publishers proofs.
Limited edition of 25 remarques.
Signed limited edition of 600 prints.
**Signed limited edition of 600 prints. (One print reduced to clear)


Porter, Robert Bruce
(Colonel Bruce Porter USMC (deceased))

After a tour in the Pacific, Bruce joined VMF 121 in 1943 at Guadalcanal and soon downed 4 Zeros. He served tours with VMF (N) 511 (first all-Marine carrier squadron) and later VMF (N) 533. He helped lead that squadron on one of the longest over-water flights of WWII for a single engined aircraft - flying from the Marshall-Gilbert islands to Saipan-Iwo Jima. On June 15, 1945 he scored a double night victory at Okinawa, making him an Ace. He was probably the only Marine pilot to gain two or more kills in both the Corsair and Hellcat; and became only one of six Marines to score a double or triple kill in one mission. Sadly, Bruce Porter died 20th April 2009.




Colonel James E Swett USMC MOH (deceased)
Died : 2009
*Signature Value : £50

Editions signed :

Signed limited edition of 600 prints.
Limited edition of artist proofs.
Limited edition of publishers proofs.
Limited edition of 25 remarques.
Signed limited edition of 600 prints.
**Signed limited edition of 600 prints. (One print reduced to clear)


Swett, James E
(Colonel James E Swett USMC MOH (deceased))

Jim Swett became one of the top-scoring F4U Aces, with 15.5 victories in 94 missions in the Corsair, but he had already earned himself the Congressional Medal of Honor piloting the F4F Wildcat before switching to the F4U. Leading a four plane section with VMF 221 on April 7, 1942 he shot down no fewer than 7 Japanese Val dive-bombers in an engagement over Tulagi Harbor, before taking a hit himself, and ditching in the sea. In all Jim Swett flew 211 combat missions, 94 in F4U Corsairs, made 120 carrier launches and recoveries, and in addition to his Medal of Honor, was awarded 6 DFCs and 2 Purple Hearts. Sadly, Jim Swett died on 18th January 2009.
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