LOCAL artist Russell Bignold’s portrait of First World War pilot Captain John Aiden Liddell has been unveiled in Sherfield School at Sherfield-on-Loddon.

The building in which the school is now located was Captain Liddell’s family home before it became a military hospital during World War One.

Russell is Sherfield School’s current artist in residence and his painting was unveiled by Brigadier Bruce Russell MBE, below.

Basingstoke Gazette:

The Brigadier gave a speech about the bravery of Captain Liddell before removing the curtain and displaying the portrait to a round of applause from the invited guests.

Russell, who trained in portraiture and figurative works, said: “It was a real honour to be invited to paint a portrait of Captain John Aiden Liddell, who gave his life for his country and in doing so was awarded the Victoria Cross.

“At only 24, he had flown a reconnaissance mission across enemy lines and came under fire, sustaining a wound to his leg which shattered his bone.

“Despite this and the fact that his plane was severely damaged, including its undercarriage, he managed to fly the aircraft back and land it, saving his navigator and completing the mission. The information he recorded may have saved many more lives.

“It was a humbling experience and my portrait will now be on display permanently at Sherfield School in the Liddell Room.”

The Sherfield War Memorial Group also provided a display of the history of Captain Liddell and his family during their time at Sherfield.

Attendees were also able to see sculptures by the artist Rob Truscott.

The unveiling followed the commemorative laying of a stone in the village representing 100 years since the award of the Victoria Cross to WW1 members of the forces.

The event was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Councillor Anne Court, MP for North East Hampshire Ranil Jayawardena and other dignitaries, all of whom then attended the painting’s unveiling.