A moving story, Franz Stigler and Charlie Brown
The story of the the mercy shown by Franz Stigler of the Luftwaffe to Charlie Brown of the USAAF has become legendary...
20 December 1943 – rookie pilot Charlie Brown and the crew of B-17 Ye Old Pub manage to bomb the Focke-Wolf factory in Bremen despite severe damage over target. Turning for home, the damage was starting to show and the straggler now became a magnet for encircling Luftwaffe fighters, who pulverised the already battered Fortress. Somehow, Brown managed to keep her in the air – just.
It wasn’t long before Franz Stigler’s Bf109 was spotted approaching at speed; all on board believed their days were now finally numbered. But Luftwaffe Ace Stigler had other thoughts.
As he circled the wrecked B-17 he could clearly see the dead tail-gunner and other badly wounded men obviously unable to bail out. Compassion took the better part of valour.
Instead of shooting down the Fortress, Stigler escorted the bomber over the North Sea coast on a heading for England.
Stigler never reported the incident. Had he done so he would in all probability have been shot as a traitor yet many years later, through serendipity and good fortune, both men would meet again and become firm friends.
We're proud to feature two moving pieces that are IN STOCK and detail this famous story...
IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMY
Framed Publishers Proof by John D. Shaw
Released in 2012, we rarely come across copies of this superb piece on the Secondary Market and our expert framing team have 'worked their magic' to create a stunning EIGHTEEN signature collector's piece!
Personally signed by veterans of both the Luftwaffe and 8th Air Force, included in the matting are photos and the ORIGINAL autographs of the two men famously depicted, Oberleutnant FRANZ STIGLER and Lieutenant Colonel CHARLIE BROWN.
Find out more HERE!
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SALUTE TO THE BRAVE
Limited Edition Print by Anthony Saunders
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Released in 2019, Anthony's superb piece recreates the now legendary scene as Stigler looks the relieved Brown in the eyes and raises his hand in a Salute to the Brave.
Hand numbered and personally signed by the artist, the edition is now at LOW INVENTORY and very few copies remain available at the original release price through the publisher.
Get yours before they're all gone, HERE!
We also have ONE framed copy at the Gallery which is available for immediate collection or worldwide shipping, find out more HERE!
Given the popularity of this moving story, we're sure these stunning collector's pieces won't be around for long - CONTACT US for more information or to reserve yours!
