Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "HMS Exeter 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 Exeter stamp issued December 13, 1989. Heavy cruiser HMS Exeter was first of the three attacking British warships to fall within range of the Graf Spee's guns. She sustained grave damage but continued forward, diverting fire from her sister ships and firing as she could. Only with all guns out of action, a fire raging amidships, steering reduced to manual and a gaping hole in one side did the Exeter break off action. By then, the Graf Spee was fleeing. The battered Exeter limped to the Falkland Islands where she was repaired and refitted, seeing action in the Pacific before being sunk by Japan in 1942. Image Size: 11.5 x 18.5 in. Overall Size: 14.25 x 20 in. Unframed. (B12240)