Sea Fury over Korea by world renowned artist, Keith Hall

This original artwork by aviation artist, Keith Hall, is titled 'Sea Fury Over Korea' and depicts WJ 232 flown by Lt Peter Carmichael in his aircraft that was part of 802 Sqn Fleet Air Arm that was onboard H.M.S. Ocean off the coast of Korea.

Who allegedly shot down a Mig 15 jet fighter?

In 1952, the first Chinese MiG-15 jet fighters appeared. On 8 August 1952, Lieutenant Peter "Hoagy" Carmichael, of 802 Squadron, flying Sea Fury WJ232 from HMS Ocean, was credited with shooting down a MiG-15, marking him as one of only a few pilots of a propeller-driven aircraft to shoot down a jet during the Korean War. The engagement occurred when Sea Furies and Fireflies were bounced by eight MiG-15s, during which one Firefly was badly damaged while the Sea Furies escaped unharmed. Some sources claim that this is the only successful engagement by a British pilot in a British aircraft during the Korean War, although a few sources claim a second MIG was downed or damaged in the same action.

The Royal Navy credited the kill to Lieutenant Peter "Hoagy" Carmichael although Carmichael always credited it to the whole flight. One of the other pilots in the flight Sub Lieutenant Brian 'Smoo' Ellis has since claimed the kill for himself. He claims that he observed hitting the MiG-15 when it overshot his aircraft with its air brakes deployed. On the return journey to HMS Ocean, he states that Carmichael fired his guns at a sandbank on the coast which the squadron often used for practice or testing their cannons. On landing back at the carrier, he was surprised to find that the kill was awarded to Carmichael. After checking with the armaments officer, it was found that Ellis had used the entirety of his ammunition during the engagement, while Carmichael on the other hand still had 90% of his ammunition left. Because Carmichael fired at the sandbank on their return journey, this brings serious doubts over the claim that he shot down the MiG-15.

This version of events was verified by historian Paul Beaver, who in 1978 interviewed all those involved including the four FAA Sea Fury pilots, as well as the armaments officer and air engineering officer.

Keith's artwork is much sought after and his original work very seldom appears on the market. So this rare opportunity to purchase original artwork is available here and you can contact the seller for more information. The canvas size is: Width 51cm / 20".  Height 41cm / 16" With the frame the total size is width 57cm / 22.5" x height 47cm / 18.5"ight 47cm / 18.5".

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