Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "Sinking of HMS Royal Oak" Original Oil Painting on Canvas Board. With Artist notes on cover. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 45c Sinking of HMS Royal Oak 1939 stamp issued October 13, 1989. Brilliant Northern Lights illuminated the sky on the night of October 13, 1939, as German Lieutenant Gunther Prien slipped his U47 undetected into the British naval base at Scapa Flow. Forced to remain on the well-lit surface because of difficulties using its periscope, the U-boat shot a torpedo into the bow of the battleship HMS Royal Oak. When the ship's proud captain refused to believe he was under attack, Prien had time to fire again and send the Royal Oak and 786 men to the sea floor. In the ensuing confusion, the U47 escaped from the harbor, having carried out one of the most daring exploits of the war. Image Size: 9.75 x 15 in. Overall Size: 14.75 x 19.75 in. Unframed. (B12142)