Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "Charles Frederick Algernon Portal and de Havilland Mosquito" Original Watercolor on paper painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Great Britain 34p Lord Portal/Mosquito stamp issued September 16, 1986. British officer Charles Frederick Algernon Portal was responsible for the performance of the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. In 1940 Portal was made Commander-in-Chief of the RAF Bomber Command. He then served as Chief of Air Staff for the remainder of World War II. In this important position, Charles Portal had the awesome responsibility of directing operations of the Royal Air Force. In addition, he contributed greatly to the overall war effort through his attendance and suggestions at major war strategy conferences, held at Casablanca in January, 1943; Washington, D.C. in May, 1943 and at Quebec in August, 1943. Indeed, Charles Portal was relied upon and respected by Allied leaders for his wide knowledge of air operations and his skill in conducting the air war against Germany. One plane which Viscount Portal depended upon was the De Havilland Mosquito, the most outstanding British aircraft design of World War II. The Mosquito was an astonishing concept for its time -- both operationally and structurally. It was first designed as an unarmed bomber dependent on superlative performance to avoid interception by enemy fighters. Moreover, it was an all-wood aircraft at a time when all its operational contemporaries were constructed of stressed-skin metal. As a bomber, the Mosquito more than justified the reliance placed upon it. But, it was also used as a night fighter and night intruder and in a photographic reconnaissance and anti-shipping strike capacity. Image Size: 12 x 14 in. Overall Size: 14.25 x 18.5 in. Unframed. (B10535)