A search has been launched by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation for the artist of a striking painting that depicts the harsh reality of the Falklands War
The picture was found in a former classroom at HMS Raleigh by a staff member who works for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). With the classroom not currently in use, the painting had been all but forgotten about.
A key part of DIO’s role is to maintain the Defence estate and ensure that Ministry of Defence (MOD) buildings are able to support armed forces personnel.
The painting was found in Building 110, affectionately known as the Fieldhouse block - named after Admiral Fieldhouse, who led the retaking of the Falkland Islands.
The artwork shows a graphic scene from the Bluff Cove Air Attacks during the Falklands War.
In the far right of the image, a burning HMS Sir Galahad can be seen during the attack that saw the greatest loss of British life throughout the entire conflict. A total of 56 British personnel were killed in the attack, with 48 of these perishing following the bombing of HMS Sir Galahad.
Following its discovery, the painting has prompted discussions and questions about who could have been behind its conception. It is currently not known who could have created the artwork or if they were present during the conflict.
Jon Rickman-Dawson, DIO Facilities Manager at HMS Raleigh, who found the painting, said:
The painting, which measures 20ft by 6ft, now sits in the Trainees’ Bar at HMS Raleigh where it can be seen by those training at the base, as well as by their families visiting for Passing Out ceremonies. It has now become a piece of history at HMS Raleigh that staff and recruits can enjoy together, while learning about the conflict and the realities of war.
Before it took up its new home, the painting was refurbished by the Establishment Services team, known as the ‘Buffers’. The team cleaned, re-stained and treated the frame before installing the piece in the Trainees’ Bar.
Mark Eve served as a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Navy during the Falklands War, and worked on an ambulance ship helping those injured in the Bluff Cove attacks. He said:
Mark served on HMS Hecla, which was used as an ambulance ship during the Falklands War, transporting casualties from both sides to SS Uganda.
Base commander at HMS Raleigh, Sean Brady, said:
The artwork is believed to have been painted between 1982 and 2010, and it is very likely by somebody who was there on the day of the air attacks, due to its level of detail and the emotion it stirs up for veterans.
Anybody who knows who may have painted the artwork is urged to get in touch with DIO by emailing dio-corporatecomms@mod.gov.uk, or via our social media channels.
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