Dh2 Capt. A. M. Wilkinson

Terrencejones · 6 June 2009, 05:10 PM

Text of report by Capt. A. M. Wilkinson, No. 24 Squadron, commander C flight, dated May 16, 1916, describing a 'dawn patrol' over the Somme.
"On reaching the lines saw much activity of our AA up North but found no HA. Later, when going South, observed (a) hostile biplane proceeding Westwards at 12000ft. Attacked from behind, getting in very close, it promptly turned West towards Peronne, apparently hit. The observer did not return fire. While pursuing it again a two-engined machine passed over me going West. I turned and climbed to attack. It turned and opened fire, to which I replied. I then noticed a Fokker just above me coming onto my tail, but he sheered off when I turned towards him. I then attacked two-tails (twin engine machine) again. Again the Fokker returned with the same result. The third time I allowed the Fokker to come within 220 yards and then turned sharply causing him to shoot straight past me. I turned again to get (my) nose onto him. Apparently he thought I had turned to attack two-tails again, for he turned in front of me, presenting a splendid target (and) at this momentI got a burst (in) and he promptly went down vertically. I followed, HA did not flatten out to my knowledge. I left him to attend to two-tails which made off in a NE direction. I pursued him a short distance but was unable to overtake him. The two machines were apparently acting in co-operation."

Many thanks to "Old Man" for providing the above report and the numerous scans and emails he sent me to ensure I didnt stray too far. I dont have a titlle for the painting yet, any suggestions would be welcome.
Cheers Terry

Russell Smith · 7 June 2009, 04:26 AM

Very nice, Terry. What medium?

Terrencejones · 7 June 2009, 05:05 AM

Russell! Thank you so much, I am chuffed to bits you like it.
Its Oil on canvas.
Cheers Terry

Southside Bucky · 7 June 2009, 02:49 PM

Hi Terry.

That is a truly stunning piece of artwork!

You've got real movement goin' on there...And the lighting, although bright and vibrant, is still moody enough to give the scene real drama. Very well done!

One small thing I would point out for your consideration (and this is in no way a criticism), would be the roundel colour ratio sizes.

The DH2's fuselage roundels were applied at squadron level rather than at the manufacturer, so size, location, and red, white & blue ratio's varied greatly, so no real problem there.

The wing roundels though, were factory applied, to a standard ratio. I think the underwing roundel in your painting looks a little non standard...Not sure if it's just the red being too small or maybe both the red and blue are a tad undersize?

Again though, I want to stress, I only mention it because I know you've already gone to considerable trouble to make it as accurate as possible.

All the best.

Bucky

Terrencejones · 7 June 2009, 05:32 PM

Hi Bucky.
Thankyou for your great comments.
I really appreciate you taking the time to post your thoughts. I will certainly check out the colour size ratio of the underwing roundals. It wont be a major issue tweaking them and I do want it to be as accurate as possible. Wish I had joined the Aerodrome years ago, the level of knowledge and expertise to be found here is incredible, you guys miss nothing! Its great.

Cheers Terry