This evocative Battle of Britain combat scene has been created by Czech aviation artist Vladimir Urbanek. Entitled “First and Fastest Victory”, the painting captures a victory of Hawker Hurricane Mk.I belonging to No. 312 (Czech) Fighter Squadron, over a Junkers Ju 88 on 8 October 1940. This was the unit’s first combat since its formation on 29 August 1940. The Ju 88 made a forced landing in a field on the opposite side of the Mersey, with both of its engines on fire.

Oil on canvas, 80×60 cm. This image is also available as a Giclée reproduction on canvas, via artist’s website at http://www.multiweb.cz/czfighters/
[Vladimir Urbanek, used by permission of the artist]