Moonlight Strike by Robert Bailey

One of the truly remarkable aeronautical developments of World War II occurred during Britain's darkest hours in 1940. With the Battle of France lost, Dunkirk evacuated and the Battle of Britain about to commence, aircraft development was not a top priority. Constrained by the use of non-strategic materials, the de Havilland Mosquito was born.

Constructed of molded plywood and metal, this radical concept twin engine airplane surpassed everyone's expectations. Initially envisioned as a bomber, it quickly filled the roles of long range photo reconnaissance, mine layer, pathfinder, and high speed military transport.

But it was in the fighter role for both day and night that this high speed aircraft (378 m.p.h.) excelled. Its long range, exceptional fire power and payload capacity made it into a highly versatile and successful war plane.

Fitted with radar and assisted by ground control intercept (code named 'Starlight') the famous Mosquito proved particularly potent against raiding German aircraft at night. The interdiction forays into British airspace during the early 1940's by the Fw-190 and twin engine types, were seeking 'targets of opportunity'.

Sheet size: 23 1/2" high x 34" wide.

Moonlight Strike by Robert Bailey
300 Limited Edition prints w/Four co-signatures.	US $175

30 Artist's Proofs w/Four co-signatures.	US $245

30 Remarqued Edition w/Four co-signatures.	US $340

In Robert Bailey's Night Combat painting MOONLIGHT STRIKE, a Mosquito of 264 Squadron, R.A.F., has been vectored toward an enemy raider, and the on-board radar operator has directed the pilot upon the unsuspecting aircraft. The Fw-190 carries a 500 kg. Bomb that will not find a target on British soil tonight.

Instead, the Luftwaffe pilot will be lucky to survive the bale out from his airplane that is engulfed in flame after suffering the blistering fire from the attacking Mosquito's 20mm. fusillade.

The successful missions, which the Mosquitos completed, have become legend, just as the crews who flew them.

Writer: Mike Coenen

Moonlight Strike signers:

Flight Lieutenant J. H. (Jack) Reilly joined the R.C.A.F. in 1940 and served in Canada, Alaska and overseas until 1946. He flew Mosquitos on high level operations and has 30,000 hours on 70 different types of aircraft. During the war he flew B-24's and Sunderlands on operations. On flight test duties, he flew Corsairs, Spitfires and Hurricanes. He maintains his Airline Transport Pilot's license and still flies today.

Warrant Officer 1st Class Stanley G. Reynolds joined the R.C.A.F. in 1942 at the age of 18. In June 1943, after receiving his pilots wings, he was posted to England. After training on Blenheims and Beaufighters, he was posted to 410 Squadron where he made 35 flights in Mosquitos. Stan was awarded a wound stripe for injuries received on active service, and is a member of the renowned 'Guinea Pig Club.'

Flight Lieutenant D. W. Schmidt joined the R.C.A.F. in 1941. He attended O.T.U. in Britain before joining 236 Squadron as a Coastal Command Beaufighter pilot. Sixteen days later he was with a ferry unit at Lyneham, testing Beaufighters. During that year he was posted to Malta to join 227 Squadron. In six sorties he claimed eight aircraft. He also scored many hits on Italian shipping. At war's end he was in the U.K. with 404 Coastal Mosquito squadron. He holds the D.F.C. and Bar.

Flight Lieutenant Marie Wright (nee Sylvester) began her flying career at the tender age of sixteen and a half. She earned her wings with the R.C.A.F. after training on a variety of aircraft. Marie was eventually posted to Hornchurch Station near London, England. Mosquitos are among the 65 different types she flew in the A.T.A., which was a part of Tactical Air Command. Along with numerous other women, she flew aircraft to and from many stations in England and, after D-Day, in France. Consequently, some were inadvertently engaged by the Luftwaffe and shot down. She has a particular fondness for the de Havilland Mosquito, which she says was a delight to fly. She wishes to keep alive the memory of those valiant R.A.F. Mosquito crews who gave their lives in night combat during World War II, and the A.T.A. girls whose dedication and sacrifice meant so much.