Derby artist who ‘saved Great Britain’ in World War II by camouflaging Rolls-Royce factory in line for honour

A Derby artist who camouflaged the roof of a Rolls-Royce factory to avoid it being bombed in World War Two is set to have a council chamber named after him.

Ernest Townsend, who usually painted portraits - including one of Winston Churchill - and landscapes, was commissioned to paint a Rolls-Royce factory roof.

This gave the impression to overhead aircraft that the factory - which was manufacturing Merlin aircraft engines to assist in the war - was just houses instead.

Mayor of Derby Alan Graves said the gifted painter ‘saved Great Britain’ with his ‘artistic abilities.’

Ernest is credited with shielding the factory, and its workers from harm, during the war which lasted until 1945. 

The artist’s nomination is tabled for discussion next week at a council meeting.

As reported by BBC, Mr Townsend's son, Bruce Townsend said his father worked out how to camouflage the roofs at the factory in Nightingale Road.

He said: "My father had a cardboard model made of the Rolls-Royce site which he used to experiment his ideas with. 

"He had an artist studio at 31 Full Street in Derby which was on the second floor, this is where he came up with his plan."

Ernest’s meticulous work saw him remove part of his rented studio’s floor to get a birds eye view of the model factory below.

Bruce said: "After many experiments, my father looked down at the model from the top floor to see what the enemy pilots would be able to see from the sky.

"He experimented with oil paints, where he painted various things on a cut-out of a canvas, laying them on the model buildings to then see how they looked from the sky to see if they would work as a camouflage."

It wasn’t just the roof that Ernest’s keen eye painted. 

He also covered the tarmac surrounding the factory to recreate the look of a housing estate, and even painted a clock to give the impression of a fake church with clock tower.

Bruce added: "I'm sure my father would be extremely proud and I would be extremely proud as his son to receive this honour."

Councillor Alan Graves said: "I think he should be recognised by Derby.

"It can be argued he saved Great Britain with his artistic abilities by disguising Rolls-Royce right here in the city.

"By maintaining the secrecy of his work, he did not receive the recognition that his efforts deserved during his lifetime, so I thought why don't we name something grand in the council house to honour him?"