This is an original pencil drawing by Steve Teasdale of Battle of Britain Spitfire Pilot Sgt George Swanwick. The drawing has been signed in pencil by Swanwick and is the ideal size as a bookplate for your favourite book on the Battle of Britain, such as Al Deere’s book Nine Lives ( 54 Sqn).
Swanwick had postings as a staff pilot before arriving at 7 OTU Hawarden on 2nd September 1940 to convert to Spitfires, after which he joined 54 Squadron at Catterick on 16th September, making his first flight on the 19th.

On 27th October Swanwick shared in damaging a Ju88 near Whitby. He was posted away from 54 on 21st December 1940 to join 41 Squadron at Hornchurch. On 10th April 1941 he and Sgt. AA Glen intercepted and damaged a He111 off Flamborough Head. Swanwick claimed a probable Me109 off Ostend on 18th September 1941.

Commissioned in October 1941, he claimed a Me109 damaged off Boulogne on the 13th. He was posted to 222 Squadron at North Weald in April 1942 as a Flight Commander.

In July 1942 Swanwick joined 603 Squadron in Malta, as 'A' Flight Commander. He went on to 71 OTU at Port Sudan on 6th September 1942, again as a Flight Commander.

In July 1943 he joined 81 Squadron in Malta as a supernumerary.