Details
GREATEST AIR BATTLE
by Gil Cohen
Overall Print Size: 12⅝" x 17¾"
Edition Size: 133
We here at Classic Aviation & War Art, LLC are proud to be the EXCLUSIVE dealer for this print outside the United Kingdom.
The 19th of August 1942 will be remembered as the date of the ill-fated "reconnaissance-in-force", known as "Operation Jubilee" - the joint British-Canadian amphibious assault against German troops on the French coast at the harbor of Dieppe. Air cover was provided by the greatest armada of RAF aircraft assembled for battle up until that time. That day has been described as an almost continuous melee of close aerial combat; aircraft of both sides spiraling towards the sea; planes colliding in mid-air; ships burning and sinking in the harbor and along the channel coast with a pall of smoke covering the entire scene below. Among the many RAF Fighter Command units flying that day were three "Eagle" squadrons made up of American airmen flying MK VB Spitfires. Despite heavy allied losses, the Americans carried out their mission exceptionally well. They were credited with 10 enemy aircraft destroyed, 5 "probable" and 12 damaged. 133 Eagle Squadron was led by Flight Lieutenant Donald J. M. Blakeslee, who alone was credited with shooting down one FW190 and one DO217, as well as two FW190 "probable" in a gallant attempt to protect the allied troops below. Blakeslee also had the distinction of being the only "Eagle" commanding officer to complete all four missions on that day.
In "THE GREATEST AIR BATTLE" Don Blakeslee, flying his mark V Spitfire of 133 Squadron, shoots down an FW190 in the chaotic air battle over the Dieppe landing, on 19th August 1942.
In addition to the artist this print is individually signed in pencil by:
- Colonel DONALD J.M. BLAKESLEE
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
