James Field's 263 Squadron Rhubarb 19-10-43

A painting by my late father, James Field. He was an artist and illustrator with a passion for history. Below is the accompanying text he wrote at the time:

The Westland Whirlwind was designed as a twin engine fighter but was more successfully used as a fighter bomber, colloquially known as the ‘Whirlibomber’. In this guise they participated in many ‘rhubarb’ operations, attacking targets of opportunity such as shipping, aerodromes bridges and, as in the painting, locomotives. This particular ‘rhubarb’ was conducted by two pilots of 263 Squadron, namely Flight Sergeants Proctor and Dunlop flying from Warmwell. 
In the painting I have tried to include the main action with Red 1 flying over the two steam shrouded locomotives and Red 2 being hit by flak in the wing. Needless to say the train crews would have taken cover and we can see one pair hiding behind the hut by the signal gantry.  One of four of James' paintings included in 'The Art of Flight' celebrating 100 years of Westland built aircraft.

Original Painting Info:

MEDIUM: Acrylic on canvas board
SIZE: 610x410mm (24x16ins)