Nicky (Flying Officer Andrew William Barr)

Place Africa: North Africa, Libya, Cyrenaica, Bardia Area, Gambut
Accession Number ART27514
Collection type Art
Measurement framed: 100.8 x 80.3 cm; unframed: 76.8 x 56.5 cm
Object type Painting
Physical description oil on canvas
Location Main Bld: World War 2 Gallery: Gallery 4: Islands
Maker Dargie, William
Place made North Africa: Libya, Cyrenaica, Bardia Area, Gambut
Date made 2 March 1942
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Copyright

Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain

Public Domain Mark This item is in the Public Domain

Description

Flying Officer Andrew William "Nicky" Barr, DFC (later OBE, Bar to DFC, MC), Royal Australian Air Force, service number 035392 (250774). Painted on his return from an operational flight. The sun was so bright that the sitter had to keep his eyes closed whilst the picture was in progress. Nicky was a comparative newcomer to the Squadron, and had achieved remarkable success in his few flying hours. On one occasion he was aided by the Senussi; managed to make his way back to base on foot, through the enemy lines, Gambut, Libya, 1942.