The Last Sunderland

Price range: £150.00 through £300.00

Short Sunderland ML814 served with 201, 422 (Canadian) and 330 (Norwegian) Squadrons during World War II and was the last airworthy Sunderland.

Battered and weather-beaten by the North Atlantic, ML814 flies over the Antrim coast after a long patrol.

  • Signatures: Artist signed

Publisher Proofs are signed by two distinguished Sunderland pilots:

  • Squadron Leader Don Gray DFC
  • Squadron Leader Dick Dulieu DFC, No.88 Squadron

 

Description

The Short Sunderland: Guardian of the Atlantic

This powerful limited edition print captures the majesty of the Short S.25 Sunderland flying boat in its element. Developed by Short Brothers for the Royal Air Force, this aircraft became the definitive maritime patrol bomber of the Second World War. Specifically, its design evolved from the civilian S.23 Empire flying boat to meet strict Air Ministry requirements for long-range reconnaissance. This limited edition print serves as a tribute to the “Flying Porcupine,” a nickname earned due to its formidable defensive armament. You can explore our other Sunderland prints in our Heritage Collection.

The Sunderland utilized a highly advanced aerodynamic hull and four Bristol Pegasus XVIII radial engines. Indeed, its massive fuel capacity allowed for patrol missions lasting over 13 hours. To hunt enemy vessels, engineers outfitted the aircraft with ASV radar units and the powerful Leigh searchlight for night operations. This limited edition print highlights the aircraft’s distinctive profile, which featured nose, tail, and dorsal machine gun turrets. Consequently, the Sunderland became a primary weapon in the Allied effort to defeat German U-boats during the Battle of the Atlantic.

A Global Legacy from Crete to the Pacific

The Sunderland’s service extended far beyond the Atlantic. Notably, the aircraft performed vital logistical missions in the Mediterranean and helped evacuate troops during the invasion of Crete. Allied air wings from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and France all operated the type with great success. This limited edition print captures the rugged beauty of a machine that also served civilian routes with BOAC. Moreover, the RAAF recorded the type’s first unassisted U-boat kill in July 1940, proving its lethality in maritime combat.

Why Collect This Limited Edition Print?

Our gallery selects only the finest depictions of the Sunderland to ensure technical and historical accuracy. Finally, each limited edition print provides a window into an era when flying boats dominated the world’s oceans. In fact, the Sunderland remains one of the most beloved aircraft of the war due to its reliability and life-saving rescue missions. Therefore, shop our gallery today to secure your own piece of maritime aviation history. This print represents an essential investment for collectors of RAF Coastal Command and Second World War heritage.

A local story links the Sunderland to South Wales as their is a wreck of a Mk1 which is unique. More details can be founds on the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre website.

Additional information

Dimensions 70 × 50 cm
Print Type

Publishers Proof, Remarque, Double Remarque, Canvas Print

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Be the first to review “The Last Sunderland”

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *