This is a highly detailed original pencil drawing by Steve Teasdale. It features a Boulton-Paul Defiant of 264 Sqn, as flown by Battle of Britain fighter ace Eric Barwell. The drawing has been signed in pencil by the artist and Eric Barwell. The paper is approximately 20x16cm in size and would make an ideal bookplate for your favourite book on the Battle of Britain or a companion drawing to be framed up with your favourite print. 
On 12th May 1940 Eric Barwell shared in the destruction of a Ju88 and took part in the successful actions of the squadron over Dunkirk, destroying a Me110 and two Ju87s on 29th May and a Me109 and a He111 on the 31st.
In the first engagement Barwell was hit by return fire and turned for home but was unable to maintain height and landed his Defiant L6972 on the sea between two destroyers, some five miles from Dover.
The aircraft broke up and Barwell and his gunner, P/O JEM Williams, who had been knocked unconscious in the crash, were thrown into the sea. Barwell held up Williams until they were rescued by HMS Malcolm.
Credited with the destruction of a Me109 on 24th August 1940, flying with Sgt. A Martin, Barwell was awarded the DFC (gazetted 11th February 1941). During the night of 10th/11th April 1941, again with Sgt. Martin, Barwell shot down a He111 and probably a second.
Promoted to Acting Flight Lieutenant on 1st July 1941, he was posted to the newly-formed 125 Squadron at Colerne as a Flight Commander. He took command of the squadron in December 1941 and held it until February 1942, when it became a Wing Commander post.
The squadron began to receive Beaufighters from February 1942.
On 1st July his elder brother, W/Cdr. PR Barwell, was shot down and killed over the Channel having been mis-identified by other Spitfires.
During the night of 1st/2nd July Barwell damaged a Do217 near Cardiff.
On 6th September he was posted to HQ 10 Group as Ops Night.
Harwell returned to 125 Squadron, then at Fairwood Common, on 31st March 1943, again as a Flight Commander. The Squadron re-equipped with Mosquitos from February 1944. Harwell shot down two Ju88s during the nights of 23rd/24th April and 24th/25th June and on 10th August 1944 he shot down a V1 flying bomb over the sea.
On completing his tour Barwell was awarded a Bar to the DFC (gazetted 15th August 1944