| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ART22329 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | unframed: 53.8 x 68.4 cm |
| Object type | Painting |
| Physical description | oil on hardboard |
| Location | Main Bld: World War 2 Gallery: Gallery 1 - Mediterranean: Navy |
| Maker |
Norton, Frank |
| Place made | Australia: Victoria, Melbourne |
| Date made | 1942 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Sub in the bag, Bay of Biscay
Description
No. 10 Squadron, RAAF, was the first Australian unit to be deployed and the only unit to serve continuously for the duration of the Second World War. Formed in 1939, they joined the RAF Coastal Command the following year and were quick to see action. The Sunderland dominates the foreground of this painting, with the sinking U26 in the middle distance and the sloop HMS Rochester fast approaching to rescue survivors. The phrase 'in the bag' was slang meaning that a situation was well in hand and that the outcome was conclusive. This was the first of six German U-boats to be sunk by No. 10 Squadron during the course of the war.