Against All Odds - Attack on the Scharnhorst by Ivan Berryman [Postcard]

Artist: Ivan Berryman [browse all Ivan Berryman]

Aircraft Depicted: Swordfish [other products featuring this aircraft]

Swordfish of 825 Sqn led by Lt-Cdr Esmonde begin their heroic attack on the battlescruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen as they make their way up the English Channel from Brest during Operation Cerberus on 12th February 1942. Although all the aircraft were lost and no significant damage was done to the German fleet, all the pilots were decorated for their bravery and Lt-Cdr Esmonde received the first Fleet Air Arm VC to be awarded, albeit posthumously. The painting depicts the first wave of Swordfish attacking the Scharnhorst with Gneisenau taking avoiding action in the distance. A German torpedo boat has turned to confront the attacking aircraft.

Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm)