Views of RAF monoplanes with figures

The top four sketches are of a single type of monoplane with its tail fin below the fuselage and what appear to be variants of undercarriage, though the broad spacing of the supports suggests it is essentially a seaplane. The two on the left may be float arrangements, though the aircraft are on the ground with figures round them. The two on the right include figures (one dressed as a pilot) about to start the engine by winding-up the propeller. Although that above shows no wheels to the undercarriage: that below does. Whether the aircraft is a specific type, or something half-remembered by Wyllie and sketched from memory is uncertain, since preliminary enquiry has not been able to identify either a British or French model that matches this appearance. Below are four rapid sketches of small, fast coastal patrol boats at sea and two half-length figure studies. That on the right may be naval, of a man in a pea-jacket: the other appears to be a smart civilian in a cap.

Object Details

ID: PAE1290
Collection: Fine art
Type: Drawing
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Wyllie, William Lionel
Date made: circa 1918?
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: 184 mm x 272 mm