WINTER PATROL

Description

On 23rd July 1942, Hitler issued Directive 45 for Operation Brunswick – the German leaders plans to overrun the Caucasus – and carry his occupying forces to Stalingrad. However stiff Russian resistance and a bitterly cold winter brought the Panzer divisions to a halt and it was all the ground crews could do to keep the Luftwaffe in the air.

Responsibility for all air activity in the Southern sector was given to the formidable JG-52 Wing. Under the mercurial leadership of Dieter Hrabak, the unit produced the three highest scoring Fighter Aces of the war, along with many more whose names became legendary.

THE SIGNATURES

The print is individually numbered and personally signed by the artist, along with and three legendary Aces who flew with JG-52:

Generalmajor DIETER HRABAK Knights Cross with Oak Leaves – 125 victories
Generalleutnant GÜNTHER RALL Knights Cross with Oak Leaves & Swords – 275 victories
Oberleutnant WALTER WOLFRUM Knights Cross – 137 victories

This sunning piece by Nicolas Trudgian is seldom seen these days and with such iconic original autographs is a ‘must have’ for collectors of Luftwaffe subjects.