I was commissioned by the Fleet Air Arm Officers’ Association to portray the heritage of RNAS Yeovilton as a fighter base. The painting was presented to the Wardroom Mess at Yeovilton on 28th September to commemorate HM The Queen's Golden Jubilee.

The painting, 24 sq ft of it, is my largest work yet. In the foreground is the village of Yeovilton, with its old church and the churchyard where many flying veterans lay. Behind it, set in the Somerset countryside, is the old base, with the tower and the museum visible on the left, and the Sea Harrier ramp and parking area on the right. Above, a representative selection of its major aircraft, from the old Sea Gladiator to the Sea Harrier of today. The true number of operational aircraft types in the history of the base is too numerous to include in a sensible painting.

Pictured above at the presentation are, from left to right are: Capt Keith Leppard RN, Commodore Bill Covington, Rear Admiral Colin Cooke-Priest, Admiral Sir Michael Layard, myself and Commander Neil Clarke.

The new Wardroom Mess, where the painting will hang, is a vast and impressive structure across the road from the Fleet Air Arm Museum.

Ronald Wong GAvA                                                                                                              October 2002