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The 13 Most Famous David John Rowlands Paintings, a Gallery Selection
Updated November 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 13 works by David John Rowlands in our catalogue
In short
Of all the originals David John Rowlands left, the most famous is Corporal C. J. G. (Fred) Comber, MC, and the Crew of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Action on Bridge 4 over the Shatt al Basra Waterway, Iraq, 24 March 2003 (2006), in the collection of the The Reme Museum of Technology, Reading. Close behind it come 'Dogwood' Lament to the Lost, 1st Battalion The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) at the Jurf Al Sukhr Bridge, Iraq, November 2004 (2006) and The Raid on St Nazaire, 28 March 1942 (2002). Our catalog holds 13 works by David John Rowlands; the gallery has kept the 13 the world admires most, each shown with its date, its museum and its story.
born 1952
Most works: The Reme Museum of Technology
1. Corporal C. J. G. (Fred) Comber, MC, and the Crew of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Action on Bridge 4 over the Shatt al Basra Waterway, Iraq, 24 March 2003 2006
2. 'Dogwood' Lament to the Lost, 1st Battalion The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) at the Jurf Al Sukhr Bridge, Iraq, November 2004 2006
3. The Raid on St Nazaire, 28 March 1942 2002
David John Rowlands's top 10 paintings: the gallery's choice
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The Raid on St Nazaire, 28 March 1942
The painting The Raid on St Nazaire, 28 March 1942 by David John Rowlands is a stunning depiction of one of the most daring raids in military history. Measuring 97 x 152 cm, this oil on canvas piece is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who took part in the raid. The Raid On March 28, 1942, a group of British commandos launched a surprise attack…
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The David John Rowlands selection continues, 11 to 13
The museums that keep David John Rowlands's originals
The 3 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by David John Rowlands | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 The Reme Museum of Technology |
Reading | 3 | Corporal C. J. G. (Fred) Comber, MC, and the Crew of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Action on Bridge 4 over the Shatt al Basra Waterway, Iraq, 24 March 2003, Princess Marina College, Arborfield (1939–1989), Gulf War |
 The Black Watch Castle - Museum |
Perth | 3 | 'Dogwood' Lament to the Lost, 1st Battalion The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) at the Jurf Al Sukhr Bridge, Iraq, November 2004, In Old Basrah, Iraq 2003, Az Zubayr, Iraq 2003 |
 Carlisle Civic Centre |
Carlisle | 1 | The Presentation of the Colours |
David John Rowlands decade by decade: the original that defines each
Works per decade
Pick a decade to see the original that defines it.
Collectors' questions about David John Rowlands's paintings
Which work is David John Rowlands most famous for?Reveal the answer
Corporal C. J. G. (Fred) Comber, MC, and the Crew of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Action on Bridge 4 over the Shatt al Basra Waterway, Iraq, 24 March 2003 (2006), The Reme Museum of Technology, Reading. 'Dogwood' Lament to the Lost, 1st Battalion The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) at the Jurf Al Sukhr Bridge, Iraq, November 2004 (2006) and The Raid on St Nazaire, 28 March 1942 (2002) come next.
What age was David John Rowlands when Corporal C. J. G. (Fred) Comber, MC, and the Crew of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Action on Bridge 4 over the Shatt al Basra Waterway, Iraq, 24 March 2003 was made?Reveal the answer
54 years old: Corporal C. J. G. (Fred) Comber, MC, and the Crew of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Action on Bridge 4 over the Shatt al Basra Waterway, Iraq, 24 March 2003 dates from 2006, and David John Rowlands was born in 1952.
What are the ten most famous David John Rowlands paintings?Reveal the answer
Corporal C. J. G. (Fred) Comber, MC, and the Crew of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Action on Bridge 4 over the Shatt al Basra Waterway, Iraq, 24 March 2003, 'Dogwood' Lament to the Lost, 1st Battalion The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) at the Jurf Al Sukhr Bridge, Iraq, November 2004, The Raid on St Nazaire, 28 March 1942, Princess Marina College, Arborfield (1939–1989), Gulf War, Lieutenant George Cairns Winning the Victoria Cross at the Battle of Pagoda Hill, Burma, 13 March 1944, In Old Basrah, Iraq 2003, Az Zubayr, Iraq 2003, The Presentation of the Colours and B Squadron, 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards at Safwan, Iraq. The ranking above gives each one's year and museum.
How many paintings did David John Rowlands leave?Reveal the answer
Our catalog holds 13 works by David John Rowlands, dated from 1989 to 2006.
In which museums do David John Rowlands's masterpieces hang?Reveal the answer
Mostly in The Reme Museum of Technology (Reading), The Black Watch Castle - Museum (Perth) and Carlisle Civic Centre (Carlisle). The museum table above lists them all.
In which years did David John Rowlands paint the most famous works?Reveal the answer
In 2000s: 8 of the 13 works on this page were made then, Corporal C. J. G. (Fred) Comber, MC, and the Crew of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Action on Bridge 4 over the Shatt al Basra Waterway, Iraq, 24 March 2003 among them.
What are the first and the last famous originals of David John Rowlands?Reveal the answer
On this page, the earliest is Princess Marina College, Arborfield (1939–1989) (1989) and the latest Corporal C. J. G. (Fred) Comber, MC, and the Crew of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Action on Bridge 4 over the Shatt al Basra Waterway, Iraq, 24 March 2003 (2006).
Which David John Rowlands works hang at the The Reme Museum of Technology?Reveal the answer
Corporal C. J. G. (Fred) Comber, MC, and the Crew of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Action on Bridge 4 over the Shatt al Basra Waterway, Iraq, 24 March 2003, Princess Marina College, Arborfield (1939–1989) and Gulf War: the The Reme Museum of Technology, Reading holds 3 of the works on this page.
David John Rowlands: life and work
A Life Depicted in Conflict: The Art of David John Rowlands
David John Rowlands, born in 1952, stands as a preeminent figure in contemporary military art. His canvases aren’t merely depictions of battles and regiments; they are profound meditations on courage, loss, and the enduring human spirit amidst the chaos of war. Rowlands' work distinguishes itself through an unwavering commitment to historical accuracy, coupled with a deeply sensitive portrayal of the individuals who experience conflict firsthand. He doesn’t glorify warfare but rather presents it as a complex reality—a tapestry woven with threads of bravery, sacrifice, and profound emotional weight.
Early Influences & Artistic Development
Rowlands' path to becoming a celebrated military artist wasn’t conventional. While he didn’t come from a formal art background initially, his fascination with history, particularly the narratives surrounding British military engagements, was deeply ingrained from an early age. This passion fueled meticulous research and a desire to understand not just *what* happened in these conflicts but also *how* it felt for those involved. He honed his skills through dedicated self-study, mastering oil painting techniques that allowed him to capture the nuances of light, texture, and human expression. His early works often focused on recreating historical scenes with a level of detail rarely seen, establishing a foundation built upon rigorous accuracy.
Capturing Modern Conflicts: A Focus on Realism
As Rowlands’ career progressed, his focus shifted towards documenting modern conflicts—the Falklands War, the Gulf War, and more recently, engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan. This transition marked a significant turning point in his artistic approach. He moved beyond simply recreating past events to actively engaging with contemporary realities, often working directly with veterans and soldiers to gather firsthand accounts and visual references. This commitment to authenticity is palpable in his paintings; the uniforms are precise, the weaponry accurate, and the landscapes evocative of the specific theaters of operation. However, what truly sets Rowlands apart is his ability to imbue these scenes with a sense of humanity. His portraits aren’t idealized heroes but rather individuals grappling with fear, exhaustion, and the weight of their responsibilities.
Major Achievements & Regimental Commissions
Rowlands has become highly sought after for regimental commissions, creating paintings that serve as lasting tributes to specific units and their histories. These works are not simply historical records; they are deeply personal representations of camaraderie, sacrifice, and the bonds forged in conflict. His painting “The Raid on St Nazaire,” a dramatic depiction of this daring WWII operation, exemplifies his ability to capture both the scale of the event and the individual courage displayed by those involved. Similarly, “Dogwood’ Lament to the Lost” powerfully conveys the somber realities faced by the 1st Battalion The Black Watch in Iraq. His art is held in numerous private collections and official regimental museums, a testament to its enduring value and historical significance.
Historical Significance & Enduring Legacy
David John Rowlands’ contribution to military art extends beyond his technical skill and commitment to accuracy. He has played a crucial role in preserving the stories of modern conflicts—stories that might otherwise be lost or forgotten. His paintings serve as powerful reminders of the human cost of war, prompting reflection on the sacrifices made by those who serve. His work is not about glorifying conflict; it’s about honoring the individuals who experience it. Rowlands' legacy lies in his ability to bridge the gap between historical documentation and emotional resonance—creating art that is both informative and deeply moving. He continues to paint, driven by a desire to capture the realities of contemporary conflicts and ensure that the stories of those involved are never forgotten. His paintings stand as poignant testaments to courage, resilience, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.