Description

HEADLONG INTO THE CLASH by Robert Taylor Luftwaffe fighters of JG300 and JG301 charge into a close formation of B-17s from the 390th Bomb Group heading for Magdeburg in northern Germany, during the huge allied offensive, 14 January 1945. Flt Lt Joe Peterburs along with other P-51s from the 20th Fighter Group, dives in to engage the enemy as the Bf109G of Lt Bruno Klostermann screams past in an attempt to penetrate the bomber formation. During the many aerial encounters that day, the Luftwaffe sent up a force of some 200 fighters but after a crushing defeat, suffered such heavy losses that they would never challenge the Eighth Air Force in strength again. 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. THE SIGNATURES The print is individually numbered and personally signed by the artist and three veterans who fought on both sides of this epic battle Leutnant GÜNTHER SINNECKER Colonel JOE PETERBURS Technical Sergeant WILLIAM STOVALL This powerful print carries outstanding original autographs - a great collector’s item for aviation and WWII enthusiasts. Please note: The prints in my store are hand-signed by the veterans involved in the painting so the signatures are original autographs and not reproductions. The certificate of authenticity is included. CONDITION: My items are guaranteed to be in perfect condition, any issues are clearly detailed in the description. SHIPPING: As a former aviation art retailer I have shipped countless prints over the years. My prints are rolled in acid free tissue and shipped in heavy duty tubes, and the shipping is insured and guaranteed. If you are interested in more than one item I will always do my best to combine the shipping to save costs – please just ask.