Milne Bay - The Turning Point by Robert Taylor

The Battle for Milne Bay in New Guinea was a story of true grit, determination, and valor; it was the moment when the Imperial Japanese Army tasted defeat on land for the first time in nearly three centuries. In the space of two weeks, the Japanese attempt to capture Milne Bay was halted, and any ambitions they might have held to invade Australia, thwarted.

Robert Taylor's powerful new painting depicts Kitthawks from the 75 and 76 Squadrons RAAF, returning to No 1 Strip after attacking Japanese positions during the Battle for Milne Bay. Under the starboard wing of the lead aircraft, "Polly", the smoke of action is clearly visible as the Japanese press from their landing site, along the coast towards the airstrip.

"Polly", now beautifully restored, resides in the Australian War Memorial Museum in Canberra, a tribute to the men and machines that stopped the Japanese in New Guinea.

Prints are signed by RAAF veterans who flew and fought in Kitty-hawks with 75 and 76 squadrons at the Battle for Milne Bay.

Signatures:

The Limited Edition
The complete edition has been personally signed by two P-40 veterans from the 75 & 76 Squadrons RAAF that flew and fought at Milne Bay. Each print in every edition has been signed by the artist Robert Taylor, and has been hand-numbered.

Flight Lieutenant H.A. "HARRY" KERR MID

Flight Lieutenant ARTHUR D. TUCKER

The Artist Proof Edition
The THREE signature Artist Proofs are additionally signed by:

Squadron Leader PETER BOOTH-JONES DFC

The Collector's Edition
This edition featuring EIGHT signatures was also signed by:

Flight Lieutenant RAIFE J. COWAN

Group Captain ROSS H. GLASSOP DFC* MID

Flight Lieutenant A.J. NAT GOULD

Flight Lieutenant NOEL C. TODD

Squadron Leader BRUCE D. WATSON DFC

The Publisher Proof
In addition to all the signatures in the Collector's Edition, each Publisher Proof is accompanied by a matching numbered copy of Robert Taylor's pencil print PATROLLING THE TOP END signed by RAAF veteran and former Australian Prime Minister:

Hon GOUGH WHITLAM AC QC, former Flight Lieutenant 13 Sqn RAAF