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Lot 621: Oswald Longfield Brett, F.A.S.M.A. (Australian, b.1921)

Est: £600 GBP - £800 GBPSold:
Christie'sLondon, United KingdomMay 25, 2006

Item Overview

Description

The Malta Convoy 'Pedestal' under attack by J.U.-88's near Cape Bon, August, 1942
signed and dated 'Oswald Brett '67' (lower left) and inscribed as title (on the reverse)
oil on canvas
33 x 44 in. (83.6 x 111.8 cm.)

Artist or Maker

Notes

THE PROPERTY OF A CORPORATION

Of all the Second World War convoys, the one sent to succour and refuel Malta in August 1942 - codenamed 'Pedestal' - is the one that has become synonymous in the public psyche with miraculous 'triumph over adversity'.

This convoy consisted of thirteen merchantmen, amongst them two American, plus the British-manned tanker Ohio and was considered so vital that it was given one of the most massive naval escorts of the War. Close support came from 4 cruisers and 12 destroyers but many other vessels, including three aircraft carriers, were placed on station nearby once the convoy had passed through the Straits of Gibraltar on 10 t h August. From dawn the next day, the convoy came under incessant attack from enemy submarines, aircraft and, later, coastal forces. That same day (11 t h), the aircraft carrier Eagle was sunk to become the first naval casualty and, over the next few days, two cruisers and a destroyer were also lost in action. The worst day was 13 t h August, when the cruiser Manchester and six of the merchantmen were sunk, and it is that scenario which the artist has captured in this work. After an epic struggle, only four merchantmen and the Ohio finally made it into the safety of Valetta on 15 t h August but the tanker's oil saved the island and, at least in part, justified the terrible losses which the Royal Navy sustained to get it there.

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.
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Auction Details

Maritime Pictures

by
Christie's
May 25, 2006, 12:00 AM EST

85 Old Brompton Road, London, LDN, SW7 3LD, UK