Description
Flying low over the picturesque English village of Thaxted, in the cold winter of 1944-45, the P-51D Mustangs of the 78th Fighter Group return to Duxford after a grueling eight hour escort mission.
The winter of 1944-5 was colder than usual in Southern England. The snows, usually confined to Scotland and the north, had drifted south, and by mid-winter the midlands and the southern counties had taken on a fairytale appearance. Even in this time of war it was difficult for all those servicemen stationed far from home, not to fall under the magical spell of this enchanted winter wonderland.
Even the roar of the Merlin engines seemed quieter, more melodious, absorbed by nature’s snowy cloak. Skimming the church spires of the villages and towns as they headed for home from combat, peering from their frosty cockpits for familiar landmarks disguised now by winter’s dusting, the returning crews of the Eighth Air Force could be excused for a few romantic thoughts of home and loved ones far away.
Recalling the Christmas of that memorable year, Robert Taylor painted a magnificent scene: Flying low over the picturesque village of Thaxted, the P-51D Mustangs of the 78th Fighter Group return to Duxford after a tiring eight hour escort mission. With dusk approaching, low on fuel, the fighters have about 20 miles to run. Catching the festive mood, the pilots have dropped to tree-top height to take in the spectacular countryside as they scurry back to base and some well-earned celebrations.
THE SIGNATURES
This Artist Proof – one of only 50 copies worldwide – is individually signed by the artist and Six fighter Aces who flew the P-51 Mustang with the Eighth Air Force in Europe.
Colonel DONALD CUMMINGS – 38th Fighter Group / 6½ victories including two Me262 Jets
Major URBAN DREW – 361st Fighter Group / 6 victories including two Me262 Jets
Captain ROBERT WINKS – 357th Fighter Group / 5½ victories including an Me262
Colonel ROYCE PRIEST – 355th Fighter Group / 5 victories
Colonel DUERR SCHUH – 352nd Fighter Group / 5 victories
Colonel WILBUR SCHEIBLE – 356th Fighter Group / 6 victories
This copy has been conservation framed by our expert team to include the additional signatures of Three more legendary Mustang Aces:
Major “KIT” CARSON – the highest scoring Ace in the 357th FG / 18 ½ victories
Colonel HERSCHEL “HERKY” GREEN – “Ace in a day” & the highest scoring Ace in the 325th FG / 18 victories
Colonel DONALD ‘DON’ BLAKESLEE – Leader of the 4th Fighter Group / 14 ½ victories
Also included in the matting is an authentic .50 caliber machine gun shell casing which was recovered from the crash site of a P-51 Mustang, creating a unique collector’s item with the original autographs of Nine iconic WWII Mustang Aces.
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