SITTING PRETTY

Whilst most of the 91st Bomb Group return safely to Bassingbourn following a gruelling daylight mission to Germany during ‘Big Week’ in early 1944, one badly damaged B-17F is forced to make an emergency landing. Fortunately help is quickly on hand.

It is a scene that could have been played out on a dozen airfields in East Anglia during ‘Big Week’ in early 1944; a badly damaged B-17F, mauled by enemy fighters, has battled its way home. In James Dietz’s compelling painting Sitting Pretty, it’s a bomber from the 91st Bomb Group that’s run into trouble this time, yet somehow, with gritty determination and super-human effort, they’ve made it back to Bassingbourn. But, with power finally failing on all four engines, it takes the crew one final effort to land their crippled warbird. Fortunately they’ve made it one piece and help is quickly on hand. With the rest of their colleagues now on final approach, for the first time in hours the exhausted but relieved crew can savour the moment. They have survived.

In tribute to the heroism of all those who flew with the Mighty Eighth, we are delighted to announce the publication of this magnificent painting. Incorporating all of Dietz’s meticulous attention to detail it’s little wonder that he has become a multi award-winning aviation artist and Sitting Pretty will no doubt mark another high point in an illustrious career that has earned him countless fans around the world.