WESSEX
OVER SOUTH ARMAGH
by Michael Rondot
For
33 years, the Wessex has been at the centre of RAF operations
in Northern Ireland.
As a reliable workhorse the Wessex has no equal, but after
31 March 2002 the
"Mighty Wessex" will be retired from front-line operations.
No.72 Squadron received its first Wessex in 1964 at RAF Odiham
and deployed to Northern Ireland on 15 August 1969 when Air
Marshal Sir Tim Jenner (then a junior pilot) landed the first
Wessex at the start of the current Troubles.
Since then, the Wessex has been employed on all major security
operations as well as day-to-day troop carrying and re-supply
tasks. It enjoys a unique reputation as a tough and reliable
foundry-built aircraft
and will be sorely missed by the aircrew who regard it as
an indestructible evergreen.
To
commemorate the retirement of the Mighty Wessex, Michael Rondot
has painted in his CLASSIC COMBAT AIRCRAFT series a striking
image of a pair of gun-armed Wessex over the scene of an incident
in the border area of South Armagh "Bandit Country". Published
in a strictly limited edition of only 500 signed and numbered
copies with 50 artist's proofs, each WESSEX OVER SOUTH ARMAGH
print is signed by distinguished Wessex pilot and President
of the 72 Squadron Association:
Air Chief Marshal Sir JOHN DAY KCB OBE ADC
John Day was a student pilot at RAF Syerston in 1968
two courses behind the artist and since then he has
raced up the RAF promotion ladder. He began his flying
career on Wessex helicopters in 1969,joining No 72
Squadron at RAF Odiham. Then, after 2 tours as a flying
instructor he returned to the Wessex with No 18 Squadron
at RAF Gutersloh. He commanded No 72 Squadron at RAF
Aldergrove in 1983 and was Air Officer Commanding
No 1 Group, during which time he flew all of the helicopter
types in RAF service and most of the fast jet types,
including qualifying as a Jaguar single-seat pilot.
In 2001 he was appointed Commander-in-Chief Strike
Command and continues to fly regularly in many types
of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, retaining
a special affection for the Wessex
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Our first helicopter limited edition print published in 1994
titled EVERGREEN WESSEX, quickly sold out and now commands a
very high price on the secondary market at over four times the
published price. WESSEX OVER SOUTH ARMAGH represents superb
value at just £75. For something really special, order a 'remarque'
copy with a unique original pencil drawing by Michael Rondot
added to the border of your print outside the image. Remarqued
copies are especially prized by collectors and can be ordered
with a drawing to your personal requirements.
Order from us direct now to grab your copy of what shall surely
be 'another'
classic limited edition from Michael.
WESSEX
OVER SOUTH ARMAGH
by Michael Rondot
Print
size: 27 x 20ins approx
| Primary |
Edition
size: 500 |
Price: £75.00 |
| Artist Proof |
Edition
size: 50 |
Price: £120.00 |
| Remarque |
Edition
size: |
Price: £235.00 |
PRINT
TERMINOLOGY
- see below |
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