The Italian liner Rex under the surveillance of two B-17's

Details

John A. Stewart (b.1951)
The Italian liner Rex under the surveillance of two B-17's
signed 'J. Stewart' (lower right)
watercolour and bodycolour
26¾ x 38¾ in. (68 x 98.4 cm.)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis. This lot will be removed to an off-site warehouse at the close of business on the day of sale - 2 weeks free storage

Lot Essay

On 12th May 1938 three Army B-17 crews intercepted the Italian ocean liner Rex in the Atlantic Ocean 700 miles from U.S. shores, demonstrating the potential of long-range bombers in coastal defence. Challenged by the U.S. Navy, for fear of losing control of extended sea operations, the U.S. Army Air Corps were restricted to within 100 miles of the coast.

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