Stormbirds Over the Reich By Robert Taylor – Framed

Description

Adolf Galland and a group of his JV-44 Wing Me262s make a high-speed rocket assault on a formation of B-26 Marauders. Diving from a 6000 ft. height advantage to 1500 ft. below and behind the bomber formation, the 262s made a fast approach, climbing to the level of the bombers before loosing off their 24 R4M rockets in one salvo at 600 yards; a long burst of cannon fire followed at 150 yards, and a quick climbing exit from the scene.

Galland’s Me262 is captured by Robert Taylor at the moment of release of his rocket salvo, the burst of flame and smoke visible under each wing as the deadly missiles are launched. Above, a second 262 pilot launches his rockets while a third lines up his sights on the B-26s ahead. Below two more swoop into the attack, one closing on the straggling Marauders on the left of the picture.

In his inimitable style, Robert Taylor sets the scene at 20,000 feet over Southern Germany on a late afternoon in April 1945, the drama unfolding over a typical cloudscape which has become the hallmark of the world’s most collected aviation artist.

THE SIGNATURES

JV44 “The Squadron of Experts” was personally formed by the legendary “Fighter General” Adolf Galland to operate the Me262 Jet Fighter and the unit included some of the Luftwaffe’s foremost Aces. Adding great significance, this Artist Proof print is personally autographed by Galland himself along with two of the highest scoring Aces to fly the Me262:

Generalleutnant ADOLF GALLAND Knights Cross with Oak Leaves Swords & Diamonds 
The legendary Fighter General, scored a total of 104 victories during WWII including 7 in the Me262

Major ERICH RUDORFFER Knights Cross with Oak Leaves Swords
Flying over 1000 missions during WWII he scored 222 victories including 12 in the Me262

Oberleutnant WALTER SCHUCK Knights Cross with Oak Leaves
The leading Ace on the Arctic Front he scored 206 victories, including 8 in the Me262.

Published in 1991 this long sold out print is now only available on the secondary market and has become one of the most famous studies of the Me262 in Robert Taylor’s extensive portfolio. It doesn’t often become available these days so this is a great opportunity to acquire this very collectible piece.