{"title":"BATTLE: Malta","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"malta-relief-by-tim-fisher-p","title":"Malta Relief by Tim Fisher. (P)","description":"DHM427P. Malta Relief by Tim Fisher. \u003cp\u003eHawker Hurricanes of 249 squadron (RAF) departing off HMS Ark Royal in June 1941 as par tof Force H. The Hurricanes were to become part of the Defence of Malta against the onslought and non stop bombing by the Axis Bombers and HMS Ark Royal would be sunk only a few months later when on the 13th November 1941 HMS Ark Royal was hit by a single torpedo from the German U-boat U81. The torpedo hit  on the starboard side near the starboard boiler room causing a 130ft by 30ft hole. Water poured in causing a 10% list immediately. The flooding spread quickly to the middle of the ship and then to the port boiler room, eectric power failed,  and after 14 hours while in tow to Gibraltar she capsized and sunk the following day.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Original painting by Tim Fisher. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54134305521997,"sku":null,"price":1600.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm0427.jpg?v=1781871026"},{"product_id":"malta-relief-by-tim-fisher-gs","title":"Malta Relief by Tim Fisher. (GS)","description":"DHM427GS. Malta Relief by Tim Fisher. \u003cp\u003eHawker Hurricanes of 249 squadron (RAF) departing off HMS Ark Royal in June 1941 as par tof Force H. The Hurricanes were to become part of the Defence of Malta against the onslought and non stop bombing by the Axis Bombers and HMS Ark Royal would be sunk only a few months later when on the 13th November 1941 HMS Ark Royal was hit by a single torpedo from the German U-boat U81. The torpedo hit  on the starboard side near the starboard boiler room causing a 130ft by 30ft hole. Water poured in causing a 10% list immediately. The flooding spread quickly to the middle of the ship and then to the port boiler room, eectric power failed,  and after 14 hours while in tow to Gibraltar she capsized and sunk the following day.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54134887022925,"sku":null,"price":300.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm0427.jpg?v=1781871026"},{"product_id":"malta-relief-by-tim-fisher-ap","title":"Malta Relief by Tim Fisher. (AP)","description":"DHM427AP.  Malta Relief by Tim Fisher. \u003cp\u003eHawker Hurricanes of 249 squadron (RAF) departing off HMS Ark Royal in June 1941 as par tof Force H. The Hurricanes were to become part of the Defence of Malta against the onslought and non stop bombing by the Axis Bombers and HMS Ark Royal would be sunk only a few months later when on the 13th November 1941 HMS Ark Royal was hit by a single torpedo from the German U-boat U81. The torpedo hit  on the starboard side near the starboard boiler room causing a 130ft by 30ft hole. Water poured in causing a 10% list immediately. The flooding spread quickly to the middle of the ship and then to the port boiler room, eectric power failed,  and after 14 hours while in tow to Gibraltar she capsized and sunk the following day.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135163224397,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm0427.jpg?v=1781871026"},{"product_id":"merlins-over-malta-by-gerald-coulson-ap","title":"Merlins over Malta by Gerald Coulson. (AP)","description":"DHM1782AP. Merlins over Malta by Gerald Coulson. \u003cp\u003e If the German and Italian forces were to succeed in their campaign in North Africa something had to be done about Malta. British submarines and torpedo carrying aircraft based on the tiny Mediterranean island were wreaking havoc with Axis shipping, severely hampering their efforts to get supplies and reinforcements through. The German High Command had had enough and the order came to obliterate the island. Malta immediately came under continual day and night aerial bombardment from the combined strengths of the Luftwaffe and Italian Regia Aeronautica. So intense was the onslaught that by the end of 1942 Malta had become the most heavily bombed place on earth. Too far away for fighters to fly from Gibraltar, any reinforcements would have to be brought part way by aircraft carrier. Until Churchills order to send the latest Spitfires came in March 1942, the island had to defend itself as best as it could with what remained serviceable of the few obsolescent Hurricanes flown to the island off HMS Argus in 1940, and from Ark Royal and Victorious in 1941. Gerald Coulsons painting Merlins over Malta shows Hurricanes of 126 Squadron, based at the islands Ta Qali airfield, diving to intercept a force of Junkers JU88 bombers as they make an attack on the port at Valletta. In the foreground of this powerful reconstruction is Hurricane Z3055, which is currently undergoing restoration for the Malta Aviation Museum. A memorable collector print in support of a truly memorable passage of history. Gerald Coulsons painting Merlins over Malta was specially commissioned to help raise funds for the Merlins over Malta Appeal, which aims to bring a Spitfire and Hurricane back to the scene of their epic defence, each print has been signed by famous Malta fighter pilots, and importantly every copy sold will directly benefit the Appeal. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWe have the seven remaining prints of this sold out edition. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by : \u003cbr\u003eSquadron Leader Cyril Bam Bamberger (deceased), Squadron Leader Keith Lawrence DFC, Squadron Leader P G Leggett, Squadron Leader Harry Moon, Wing Commander Tom Neil DFC* AFC, Captain Tommy Thompson DFC JP BOAC BA (deceased) and Squadron Leader Robert Innes (deceased). \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Limited edition of 25 artist proofs. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Paper size 31 inches x 24 inches (76cm x 61cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135208771917,"sku":null,"price":270.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm1782.jpg?v=1781871452"},{"product_id":"malta-relief-by-tim-fisher","title":"Malta Relief by Tim Fisher.","description":"DHM427. Malta Relief by Tim Fisher. \u003cp\u003eHawker Hurricanes of 249 squadron (RAF) departing off HMS Ark Royal in June 1941 as par tof Force H. The Hurricanes were to become part of the Defence of Malta against the onslought and non stop bombing by the Axis Bombers and HMS Ark Royal would be sunk only a few months later when on the 13th November 1941 HMS Ark Royal was hit by a single torpedo from the German U-boat U81. The torpedo hit  on the starboard side near the starboard boiler room causing a 130ft by 30ft hole. Water poured in causing a 10% list immediately. The flooding spread quickly to the middle of the ship and then to the port boiler room, eectric power failed,  and after 14 hours while in tow to Gibraltar she capsized and sunk the following day.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Signed limited edition of 1000 prints. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135725818189,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm0427.jpg?v=1781871026"},{"product_id":"faith-hope-and-charity-by-kenneth-mcdonough","title":"Faith, Hope and Charity  by Kenneth McDonough.","description":"DHM1471. Faith, Hope and Charity  by Kenneth McDonough. \u003cp\u003e June 1940, Gloster Sea Gladiators. Maltas airborne defence flying over the Grand harbour.  \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Open edition print. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Image size 16 inches x 11 inches (41cm x 28cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135867965773,"sku":null,"price":21.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm1471.jpg?v=1781871337"},{"product_id":"merlins-over-malta-by-gerald-coulson","title":"Merlins over Malta by Gerald Coulson.","description":"DHM1782. Merlins over Malta  by Gerald Coulson. \u003cp\u003e If the German and Italian forces were to succeed in their campaign in North Africa something had to be done about Malta. British submarines and torpedo carrying aircraft based on the tiny Mediterranean island were wreaking havoc with Axis shipping, severely hampering their efforts to get supplies and reinforcements through. The German High Command had had enough and the order came to obliterate the island. Malta immediately came under continual day and night aerial bombardment from the combined strengths of the Luftwaffe and Italian Regia Aeronautica. So intense was the onslaught that by the end of 1942 Malta had become the most heavily bombed place on earth.  Too far away for fighters to fly from Gibraltar, any reinforcements would have to be brought part way by aircraft carrier. Until Churchills order to send the latest Spitfires came in March 1942, the island had to defend itself as best as it could with what remained serviceable of the few obsolescent Hurricanes flown to the island off HMS Argus in 1940, and from Ark Royal and Victorious in 1941.  Gerald Coulsons painting Merlins over Malta shows Hurricanes of 126 Squadron, based at the islands Ta Qali airfield, diving to intercept a force of Junkers JU88 bombers as they make an attack on the port at Valletta. In the foreground of this powerful reconstruction is Hurricane Z3055, which is currently undergoing restoration for the Malta Aviation Museum. A memorable collector print in support of a truly memorable passage of history.  Gerald Coulsons painting Merlins over Malta was specially commissioned to help raise funds for the Merlins over Malta Appeal, which aims to bring a Spitfire and Hurricane back to the scene of their epic defence, each print has been signed by famous Malta fighter pilots, and importantly every copy sold will directly benefit the Appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLast 6 prints available of this sold out edition.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by \u003cbr\u003e Squadron Leader Cyril Bam Bamberger (deceased), Squadron Leader Keith Lawrence DFC, Squadron Leader P G Leggett, Squadron Leader Harry Moon, Wing Commander Tom Neil DFC* AFC and Captain Tommy Thompson DFC JP BOAC BA (deceased). \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Signed limited edition of 250 prints.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Paper size 31 inches x 24 inches (76cm x 61cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135899128141,"sku":null,"price":180.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm1782.jpg?v=1781871452"},{"product_id":"merlins-over-malta-by-gerald-coulson-b","title":"Merlins over Malta by Gerald Coulson. (B)","description":"DHM1782B. Merlins over Malta  by Gerald Coulson. \u003cp\u003eIf the German and Italian forces were to succeed in their campaign in North Africa something had to be done about Malta. British submarines and torpedo carrying aircraft based on the tiny Mediterranean island were wreaking havoc with Axis shipping, severely hampering their efforts to get supplies and reinforcements through. The German High Command had had enough and the order came to obliterate the island. Malta immediately came under continual day and night aerial bombardment from the combined strengths of the Luftwaffe and Italian Regia Aeronautica. So intense was the onslaught that by the end of 1942 Malta had become the most heavily bombed place on earth.  Too far away for fighters to fly from Gibraltar, any reinforcements would have to be brought part way by aircraft carrier. Until Churchills order to send the latest Spitfires came in March 1942, the island had to defend itself as best as it could with what remained serviceable of the few obsolescent Hurricanes flown to the island off HMS Argus in 1940, and from Ark Royal and Victorious in 1941.  Gerald Coulsons painting Merlins over Malta shows Hurricanes of 126 Squadron, based at the islands Ta Qali airfield, diving to intercept a force of Junkers JU88 bombers as they make an attack on the port at Valletta. In the foreground of this powerful reconstruction is Hurricane Z3055, which is currently undergoing restoration for the Malta Aviation Museum. A memorable collector print in support of a truly memorable passage of history.  Gerald Coulsons painting Merlins over Malta was specially commissioned to help raise funds for the Merlins over Malta Appeal, which aims to bring a Spitfire and Hurricane back to the scene of their epic defence, each print has been signed by famous Malta fighter pilots, and importantly every copy sold will directly benefit the Appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLast 3 print available of this sold out edition.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by \u003cbr\u003e Squadron Leader Cyril Bam Bamberger (deceased), Squadron Leader Keith Lawrence DFC, Squadron Leader P G Leggett, Squadron Leader Harry Moon, Wing Commander Tom Neil DFC* AFC, Captain Tommy Thompson DFC JP BOAC BA (deceased) and Squadron Leader Robert Innes (deceased). \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Malta edition of 200 prints.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Paper size 31 inches x 24 inches (76cm x 61cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135899160909,"sku":null,"price":230.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm1782.jpg?v=1781871452"},{"product_id":"george-cross-island-association-60th-anniversary-limited-edition-print-by-john-young","title":"George Cross Island Association 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Print by John Young.","description":"LI0029. George Cross Island Association 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Print by John Young. \u003cp\u003e Official limited edition print of the 60th Anniversary of the George Cross Island Association. Spitfires from one of Maltas most famous squadrons, 249, climbing up over Valetta harbour in the summer of 1942.  The panorama beneath the aircraft is the city with its thousands of Maltese citizens daily exposed to the enemy blitz, ships of the Royal Navy and Merchant Service, and the Armys anti-aircraft batteries. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOne secondary market print available only of this edition which is sold out at the publisher.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Signed by :\u003cbr\u003eSquadron Leader Arthur Aldridge DFC, \u003cbr\u003eSquadron Leader Cyril Bam Bamberger (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eAir Marshal Sir Ivor Broom KCB CBE DSO DFC AFC (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eGroup Captain Billy Drake DSO DFC* (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eFlight Lieutenant N L D Kemp DFC (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eSquadron Leader Keith Lawrence DFC, \u003cbr\u003eSquadron Leader P G Leggett, \u003cbr\u003eSquadron Leader Harry Moon, \u003cbr\u003eFlight Lieutenant James Pickering AFC (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eFlight Lieutenant Douglas Robertson, \u003cbr\u003eFlight Lieutenant Peter Rothwell, \u003cbr\u003eFlight Lieutenant ARF Thompson DFC (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eCommander Mike Crosley DSC* Royal Navy (deceased), \u003cbr\u003ePetty Officer Frederick Jewett, \u003cbr\u003eVice-Admiral Sir lan McGeoch KCB DSO DFC (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eMerchant Seaman Gunner Ron Linton, \u003cbr\u003eVice-Admiral Sir John Roxburgh KCB CBE DSO DSC, \u003cbr\u003eLieutenant Peter Twiss OBE DSC (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eLieutenant Stanley Fraser, \u003cbr\u003eSergeant Major Frank Rixon BEM, \u003cbr\u003eLieutenant Colonel Chevalier Antoine Pace Bonello MBE GC OCC, \u003cbr\u003eBrigadier George V Micallef MOM CBE, \u003cbr\u003eDr Censu Tabone MD FRCS(EDIN) KUOM  \u003cbr\u003eand \u003cbr\u003eChief Nursing Officer Carmela Turner RGN SCM . \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Signed limited edition of 500 prints. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Paper size 29 inches x 23 inches (74cm x 58cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54136093933901,"sku":null,"price":280.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWli0029.jpg?v=1781873113"},{"product_id":"faith-hope-and-charity-by-stan-stokes","title":"Faith Hope and Charity by Stan Stokes.","description":"STK0115. Faith Hope and Charity by Stan Stokes. \u003cp\u003e With Italys entry into WW II on June 10, 1940, the epic two-and-one-half-year siege of Malta began. Symbolizing the defiant resistance of the people and defenders of that tiny island, the legend of Faith, Hope, and Charity grew from a handful of Gloster Sea Gladiators which initially comprised Maltas sole aerial defense. Until the arrival of the more modern Hawker Hurricanes, these obsolescent biplanes fought the Regia Aeronautica alone in the skies above Malta. Only six or seven Gladiators were assembled from the shipment of eighteen crated aircraft which had been delivered by the HMS Glorious. Others were utilized for spare parts, and three had been dispatched, still crated, to Egypt. Though hugely outnumbered, the defenders fought on, raising the morale of the citizens of Malta, and denying the Italians mastery of the sky. Suffering from a constant shortage of spare parts, tools and equipment, the devoted ground support crews were never able to keep more than three Gladiators operational at any point in time. Only one of these Gladiators was totally lost in aerial combat, and the sole surviving aircraft was presented to the people of Malta, and today stands in their National War Museum as a proud symbol of courage and endurance. In Stan Stokes painting, a Sea Gladiator, piloted by Flight Lt. James Pickering, tangles with a Fiat C.R. 42 over Malta in 1940 while an Italian Savoia S.79 tri-engined bomber passes by in the background.  The Gloster Gladiator represented the zenith of development of the classic biplane fighter aircraft, a design formula which characterized an entire era from WW I until the advent of the monoplane fighter just before WW II. Glosters naval model of the Gladiator was equipped with a Bristol Mercury VIIIA engine providing a maximum speed of 253 MPH, a rate of climb of 2300 feet per minute, an operational ceiling of 32,200 feet, and a range of 415 miles. The Gladiator was armed with four .303 inch Browning machine guns, and incorporated several advanced features including an enclosed cockpit and wing flaps. One top RAF ace, Sqd. Ldr. Pattle, attained eleven victories flying the Gladiator. A total of 527 Gladiators were produced, and the aircraft served in twelve different countries. The Italians were overly persistent in their emphasis on biplane fighters, stemming from their successes with these highly maneuverable machines during the Spanish Civil War. Employing distinctive Warren-truss type interplane bracing the C.R. 42 was powered by a Fiat A74 R.C. 38 engine providing a maximum speed of 274 MPH and a range of 485 miles. The C.R. 42 was more lightly armed than the Gladiators it opposed, possessing only two 12.7mm Breda machine guns. The C.R 42 served on all of Italys fronts including North and East Africa, France, Britain, the Balkans, and Russia. Exported to Hungary, Sweden and Belgium, the C.R. 42  ironically served alongside the Gladiator in other theaters of operation during WW II.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e Supplied with signed and numbered certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Signed limited edition of 4750 prints.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Print size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54136154685773,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWstk0115.jpg?v=1781873608"},{"product_id":"faith-hope-and-charity-by-stan-stokes-b","title":"Faith Hope and Charity by Stan Stokes. (B)","description":"STK0115B. Faith Hope and Charity by Stan Stokes. \u003cp\u003e With Italys entry into WW II on June 10, 1940, the epic two-and-one-half-year siege of Malta began. Symbolizing the defiant resistance of the people and defenders of that tiny island, the legend of Faith, Hope, and Charity grew from a handful of Gloster Sea Gladiators which initially comprised Maltas sole aerial defense. Until the arrival of the more modern Hawker Hurricanes, these obsolescent biplanes fought the Regia Aeronautica alone in the skies above Malta. Only six or seven Gladiators were assembled from the shipment of eighteen crated aircraft which had been delivered by the HMS Glorious. Others were utilized for spare parts, and three had been dispatched, still crated, to Egypt. Though hugely outnumbered, the defenders fought on, raising the morale of the citizens of Malta, and denying the Italians mastery of the sky. Suffering from a constant shortage of spare parts, tools and equipment, the devoted ground support crews were never able to keep more than three Gladiators operational at any point in time. Only one of these Gladiators was totally lost in aerial combat, and the sole surviving aircraft was presented to the people of Malta, and today stands in their National War Museum as a proud symbol of courage and endurance. In Stan Stokes painting, a Sea Gladiator, piloted by Flight Lt. James Pickering, tangles with a Fiat C.R. 42 over Malta in 1940 while an Italian Savoia S.79 tri-engined bomber passes by in the background.  The Gloster Gladiator represented the zenith of development of the classic biplane fighter aircraft, a design formula which characterized an entire era from WW I until the advent of the monoplane fighter just before WW II. Glosters naval model of the Gladiator was equipped with a Bristol Mercury VIIIA engine providing a maximum speed of 253 MPH, a rate of climb of 2300 feet per minute, an operational ceiling of 32,200 feet, and a range of 415 miles. The Gladiator was armed with four .303 inch Browning machine guns, and incorporated several advanced features including an enclosed cockpit and wing flaps. One top RAF ace, Sqd. Ldr. Pattle, attained eleven victories flying the Gladiator. A total of 527 Gladiators were produced, and the aircraft served in twelve different countries. The Italians were overly persistent in their emphasis on biplane fighters, stemming from their successes with these highly maneuverable machines during the Spanish Civil War. Employing distinctive Warren-truss type interplane bracing the C.R. 42 was powered by a Fiat A74 R.C. 38 engine providing a maximum speed of 274 MPH and a range of 485 miles. The C.R. 42 was more lightly armed than the Gladiators it opposed, possessing only two 12.7mm Breda machine guns. The C.R 42 served on all of Italys fronts including North and East Africa, France, Britain, the Balkans, and Russia. Exported to Hungary, Sweden and Belgium, the C.R. 42  ironically served alongside the Gladiator in other theaters of operation during WW II. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOne print available only.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by Malta Gladiator pilot Flt Lt James Pickering (deceased). \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e 225 prints from the signed limited edition of 4750 prints, with signature of Stan Stokes and pilot, and a remarque.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eImage size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54136154718541,"sku":null,"price":130.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWstk0115.jpg?v=1781873608"},{"product_id":"faith-hope-and-charity-by-stan-stokes-c","title":"Faith Hope and Charity by Stan Stokes. (C)","description":"STK0115C. Faith Hope and Charity by Stan Stokes. \u003cp\u003e With Italys entry into WW II on June 10, 1940, the epic two-and-one-half-year siege of Malta began. Symbolizing the defiant resistance of the people and defenders of that tiny island, the legend of Faith, Hope, and Charity grew from a handful of Gloster Sea Gladiators which initially comprised Maltas sole aerial defense. Until the arrival of the more modern Hawker Hurricanes, these obsolescent biplanes fought the Regia Aeronautica alone in the skies above Malta. Only six or seven Gladiators were assembled from the shipment of eighteen crated aircraft which had been delivered by the HMS Glorious. Others were utilized for spare parts, and three had been dispatched, still crated, to Egypt. Though hugely outnumbered, the defenders fought on, raising the morale of the citizens of Malta, and denying the Italians mastery of the sky. Suffering from a constant shortage of spare parts, tools and equipment, the devoted ground support crews were never able to keep more than three Gladiators operational at any point in time. Only one of these Gladiators was totally lost in aerial combat, and the sole surviving aircraft was presented to the people of Malta, and today stands in their National War Museum as a proud symbol of courage and endurance. In Stan Stokes painting, a Sea Gladiator, piloted by Flight Lt. James Pickering, tangles with a Fiat C.R. 42 over Malta in 1940 while an Italian Savoia S.79 tri-engined bomber passes by in the background. The Gloster Gladiator represented the zenith of development of the classic biplane fighter aircraft, a design formula which characterized an entire era from WW I until the advent of the monoplane fighter just before WW II. Glosters naval model of the Gladiator was equipped with a Bristol Mercury VIIIA engine providing a maximum speed of 253 MPH, a rate of climb of 2300 feet per minute, an operational ceiling of 32,200 feet, and a range of 415 miles. The Gladiator was armed with four .303 inch Browning machine guns, and incorporated several advanced features including an enclosed cockpit and wing flaps. One top RAF ace, Sqd. Ldr. Pattle, attained eleven victories flying the Gladiator. A total of 527 Gladiators were produced, and the aircraft served in twelve different countries. The Italians were overly persistent in their emphasis on biplane fighters, stemming from their successes with these highly maneuverable machines during the Spanish Civil War. Employing distinctive Warren-truss type interplane bracing the C.R. 42 was powered by a Fiat A74 R.C. 38 engine providing a maximum speed of 274 MPH and a range of 485 miles. The C.R. 42 was more lightly armed than the Gladiators it opposed, possessing only two 12.7mm Breda machine guns. The C.R 42 served on all of Italys fronts including North and East Africa, France, Britain, the Balkans, and Russia. Exported to Hungary, Sweden and Belgium, the C.R. 42 ironically served alongside the Gladiator in other theaters of operation during WW II. \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by Malta Gladiator pilot Flt Lt James Pickering (deceased). \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrints from the 225 prints from the signed limited edition of 4750 prints, with signature of Stan Stokes and pilot. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Image size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54136154784077,"sku":null,"price":100.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWstk0115.jpg?v=1781873608"}],"url":"https:\/\/militaryaviationartprints.com\/collections\/battle-malta.oembed","provider":"Military Aviation Art Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}