Description
14 January 1945; and the war was not going well for Germany. The noose was tightening as American, British and Canadian armies, having broken out from their Normandy landings seven months earlier, stood on the banks of the Rhine. In the east vast numbers of Russians were driving relentlessly towards Berlin. On their bomb-cratered airfields the Luftwaffe prepared for the final onslaught during the Defense of the Reich.
Despite the shock of Operation Bodenplatte on New Year’s Eve – the Luftwaffe’s unexpected yet unsuccessful attempt to wipe out the Allied air forces on their advanced airfields in the Low Countries – Germany had all but surrendered air superiority to the Allies. Today, therefore, was yet another gamble as they assembled some 200 fighters to counter nearly 900 Eighth Air Force bombers, and almost as many fighter escorts, tasked with destroying oil refineries, storage depots and other strategic targets in central Germany. For the Luftwaffe the day was to end in retreat and disaster; they lost 161 fighters, the highest number ever recorded. Never again would the once mighty Jagdverbänd rise in strength to challenge the Mighty Eighth.
Few artists can capture the ferocity of an aerial battle with the skill and ability of Robert Taylor, and this breath-taking painting will undoubtedly rank as one of the pinnacles in his long and distinguished career. He captures a moment during that massive aerial battle in January 1945 near Ludwigslust in northern Germany, as enemy fighters from JG300 and JG301 make a head-on attack through a close formation of B-17s from the 390th Bomb Group who are heading to bomb Magdeburg. But their ever-vigilant P-51 escorts are aware of the threat and quickly engage the enemy with devastating results.
In the center of the action Flt Lt Joe Peterburs of the 20th Fighter Group screams past the Bf109G of Lt Bruno Klostermann from II./JG300 who is attempting to penetrate the bomber formation. Peterburs claimed an Fw190 during the battle, Klostermann, however, will not survive the day.
THE SIGNATURES
The print is autographed by distinguished USAAF and Luftwaffe veterans who fought during the Defense of the Reich, adding great historical importance to this stunning release. Many of the signatories are sadly no longer with us, giving aviation art connoisseurs a rare opportunity to acquire a remarkable and valuable collector’s piece.
Leutnant GÜNTHERSINNECKER Iron Cross 1st Class – JG302 & JG300 / 5 victories
Colonel JOEPETERBURS – 20th Fighter Group / 2 victories
Technical Sergeant WILLIAMSTOVALL – 390th Bomb Group
Lieutenant Colonel WALLACE ‘LUCKY’LOWMAN – 20th Fighter Group
First Lieutenant KENSHARPE – 388th Bomb Group
Oberleutnant GÜNTHER SEEGER Knight’s Cross – JG2 & JG53 / 56 victories
Oberleutnant WALTER WOLFRUM Knight’s Cross – JG52 / 137 victories
The print have then both been conservation framed and matted to include the original signatures of a further four USAF and Luftwaffe Aces who fought on both sides in the skies over Germany as the Allies pushed for victory during WWII:
Colonel CLARENCE “BUD” ANDERSON – 357th Fighter Group / 16 ¼ victories
Colonel STEVE N. PISANOS – 4th Fighter Group / 10 victories
Oberleutnant HELMUT BENNEMANN Knights Cross – JG52 / 92 victories
Leutnant HERMANN SCHLEINHEGE Knights Cross – JG54 / 97 victories
This historic piece, created with the serious collector in mind, would make an outstanding centerpiece for any home, office or den!
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