HEADLONG INTO THE CLASH
by Robert Taylor
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 centre 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 prints are 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.
The Signatures
Signed by three veterans who fought in this epic battle:
- Leutnant GÜNTHER SINNECKER
- Colonel Joe Peterburs
- Technical Sergeant WILLIAM STOVALL
The Collector's Edition & Artist Proofs
This seven signature edition is signed by a further four veterans who flew during the Defense of the Reich:
- Lieutenant Colonel Wallace 'Lucky' Lowman
- First Lieutenant Ken Sharpe
- Oberleutnant Günther Seeger KC
- Oberleutnant Walter Wolfrum KC
The War In Europe Edition & Remarques
These thirteen signature editions are additionally signed by:
- Feldwebel Oskar Bösch IC
- Leutnant Fritz Tegtmeier
- First Lieutenant Leo Croce
- Lieutenant Colonel WALTER M. DRAKE
- Colonel Clarence E 'Bud' Anderson
Each print in these editions is issued with the matching-numbered companion print FIGHTER ESCORT which is signed by an additional P-51 Mustang Pilot:
- Captain Leo Kerns
The Tribute Edition
Representing the ultimate in collecting, this exceptional edition comprises all signatures of the War in Europe Edition and is issued with an ORIGINAL PENCIL work specially created by Robert Taylor.
Each drawing is signed by two leading Bf109 Luftwaffe Aces and a famous P-51 Mustang Ace:
- Brigadier General Robin Olds
- Major Hans-Ekkehard Bob KC
- Generalleutnant Günther Rall KC with Oak Leaves and Swords
Each drawing is conservation matted to include the original signatures of a further three pilots of both the Luftwaffe and USAAF who fought in the skies over Germany as the Allies pushed for victory during WWII:
- Captain Paul Douglas
- Colonel Harry Mumford
- Oberleutnant Walter Schuck KC with Oak Leaves
- Media:
- Lithograph
- Size:
- 32.25 x 24 inches
- Release Date:
- 12/2017
Editions that feature original and unique artwork, such as Remarque, Tribute and matted editions, are specifically hand-crafted to order. As a result, our normal delivery policies do not apply to these items but we’ll be sure to update you as soon as your drawing is complete. If you have any particular request for your remarque drawing – such as specific aircraft markings – please ask when placing your order and we will do our best to accommodate.
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