Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "HMS Ajax at the Battle of the River Plate" Original Oil painting on Canvas Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 45c Battle of the River Plate 1939 HMS Ajax stamp issued December 13, 1989. Within minutes of the first sighting of Germany's Graf Spee at 6:14 a.m., British Commodore Henry Harwood aboard the Ajax deployed his three-cruiser fleet to attack. HMS Exeter split to the left; the lighter HMS Ajax and HMNZS Achilles to the right. This way, Harwood hoped to foil the German's heavier guns. Despite expert maneuvering, Ajax lost both after turrets during the battle. But she also inflicted heavy damage as her invaluable spotter plane directed fire. Together, the Ajax and Achilles shadowed the Graf Spee as it fled. Image Size: 11.25 x 17.5 in. Overall Size: 14 x 20 in. Unframed. (B12241)