Description

A POWERFUL TRIBUTE TO THE GREAT LUFTWAFFE ACE GERHARD BARKORN HUNTERS AT DAWN by Robert Taylor Gerhard Barkhorn, Gruppenkommandeur of II./JG52, flying his Bf109 G-6, leads the Stab as they climb out from their base near the Black Sea, early November 1943. The crisp air of day break is temporarily punctuated by the roar of Daimler-Benz engines as the deadly Messerschmitt fighters set off on their daily hunt for Soviet aircraft over the front line. The legendary Gruppenkommandeur was by now close to his 200th victory, a feat he achieved on 30 November 1943. Even then little did he or his comrades know that this was only a temporary milestone in his exceptional combat career – although the enemy might have feared it. Those Aces with over 100 victories were exceptional; to reach 200 victories was a spectacular achievement. Yet two men went even further shooting down more than 300 enemy aircraft which placed them in a league of their own. They were the elite of the elite, and their names are legendary – Erich Hartmann and Gerhard Barkhorn. It is no surprise that these iconic Aces scored their victories whilst flying with the legendary fighter wing JG52 and the Geschwader boasted some of greatest Luftwaffe pilots of WWII among its ranks – including the top three Aces of all time. Such renowned pilots as Gunther Rall (275 victories), Wilhelm Batz (237 victories), Hermann Graf (212 victories) and Helmut Lipfert (203 victories) helped this formidable unit notch up more than 10,000 victories making it the most successful fighter wing in history. Paying tribute to this great Ace, this edition is signed by iconic Luftwaffe Aces who flew on the Russian Front, giving collectors the opportunity to invest in a true piece of history. THE SIGNATURES Along with the artist the print is personally signed by two renowned Luftwaffe Fighter Aces who flew on the Eastern Front during World War II: Oberfeldwebel WILLI RESCHKE Knights Cross – 27 victories Leutnant HUGO BROCH Knights Cross – 81 victories Print size: 32 x 24 inches 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.