USS Johnston - Paul Wright RSMA

Sold by art Marine to a US collector, 2023.

Original oil on canvas signed lower right, framed. 

Canvas size 24 x 36 inches.

"This painting shows the heroic ship and her captain Ernest Evans charging toward the Japanese cruiser whilst laying a smokescreen.  When she was finally sunk and her captain lost, the Japanese sent a destroyer to comb the wreckage and the survivors saw the Japanese captain, in full dress uniform saluting them.  This was unique in the Pacific War and a recognition of the bravery of Captain Evans and the crew of USS Johnston, by their enemy.

The splashes of the Japanese shells were red because the dye was used in the shells to help with their spotting..."