The Balloon Buster

2nd. Lt. Frank Luke of the 27th. Aero Squadron on the evening of the 27th.September 1918 shooting down the first of three observation balloons. Luke, a reckless and volatile character, had been grounded by his c.o. Disobeying orders, Luke took off on a lone wolf attack. His c.o. issued orders for Luke's arrest upon his return. In shooting down the balloons Luke was wounded by anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighters, and force-landed behind the lines where he fought a short battle with ground troops being killed beside his SPADXIII. Instead of a court -martial he was awarded the Medal of Honour.

Composition: acrylic on canvas

Image Size: 36" x 24"

Type & Availability: in the collection of the Tangmere Aviation Museum