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Rex Whistlers self-portrait in Welsh Guards uniform, May 1940 (oil on canvas)
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Rex Whistlers self-portrait in Welsh Guards uniform, May 1940 (oil on canvas)
5929389 Rex WhistlerAs self-portrait in Welsh Guards uniform, May 1940 (oil on canvas) by Whistler, Rex (1905-44); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Rex WhistlerAs self-portrait in Welsh Guards uniform, May 1940.
Oil on canvas by Reginald (Rex) John Whistler (1905-1944), 1940.
The artist depicted himself enjoying a drink on the balcony of a friendAs house in York Terrace, overlooking Regents Park, London, on the day his uniform came. Aged 35 and too old for immediate conscription, Rex Whistler had volunteered for service upon the outbreak of war: he saw it as a duty that men of his age should fight, rather than A young boysA. By this time Whistler had already established a considerable reputation as an artist, particularly of trompe lA oeil murals, stage designs and book illustrations.
Following the mechanisation of the Foot Guards as part of the Guards Armoured Division in 1941, Second Lieutenant Rex Whistler, 2nd Battalion Welsh Guards, found himself a troop commander, in charge of three tanks. During four years of intensive military training at Caterham, Wiltshire, Norfolk and on the Yorkshire moors, he continued to produce commercial work, and drew continuously for his friends. But in late June 1944, his regiment crossed the Channel with the division, equipped with Cromwell tanks.
Tragically, the artist was killed on his first day in action, 18 July 1944, during Operation GOODWOOD near Caen in Normandy. Concerned for his men who were trapped in a tank, he had left the safety of his own tank to help, but was blown up by blast from a German mortar. He is buried in the small military cemetery at Banneville-la-Campagne.); eNational Army Museum; English, out of copyright
Media ID 22764826
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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This print captures Rex Whistler's self-portrait in his Welsh Guards uniform, painted in May 1940. The oil on canvas artwork showcases Whistler enjoying a drink on the balcony of a friend's house in York Terrace, overlooking Regents Park, London. At the age of 35 and too old for immediate conscription, Whistler volunteered for service as he believed it was his duty to fight alongside men of his age rather than leaving it to younger boys. Whistler had already established himself as a renowned artist known for his trompe l'oeil murals, stage designs, and book illustrations. Despite intense military training at various locations including Caterham, Wiltshire, Norfolk, and the Yorkshire moors where he served as a troop commander with three tanks within the Guards Armoured Division since its mechanization in 1941. Tragically, on July 18th, 1944 during Operation GOODWOOD near Caen in Normandy, Whistler lost his life while attempting to rescue trapped soldiers from their tank. He left the safety of his own tank but was struck by blast from a German mortar. His bravery and sacrifice are remembered today as he rests in peace at Banneville-la-Campagne military cemetery. This poignant image serves as both an homage to an accomplished artist who answered the call of duty during wartime and a reminder of the profound impact that war can have on talented individuals like Rex Whistler.
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