Philip West pays tribute to the brave aircrews that flew the Fairey Swordfish in combat during World War Two. The venerable Fairy Swordfish was the Fleet Air Arms premier torpedo-bomber at the outbreak of World War 11. It may have looked archaic in appearance, but its courageous crews proved time and time again that it was a potent fighting machine. ‘Stringbags’ as they were affectionately known, served in several important roles and theatres including Coastal Command, the Mediterranean and flying from MAC-ships protecting North Atlantic and Arctic convoys. 50 Artist Proof Editions. Each edition is signed by the artist Philip West along with two Fleet Air Arm veterans who flew in the Swordfish: Sub Lieutenant (A) Stanley T. Brand RNVR (Pilot) Sub. Lieutenant Commander (A) John Moffat RNVR (Pilot) - he flew on the raid that sunk the German battleship Bismarck and is credited with the torpedo that damaged the rudder. Overall Size: 16” x 27” / 40.5cm x 68.5cm