Details
ACES ON THE WESTERN FRONT
by Robert Taylor
Overall Print Size: 36" x 25"
Edition Size: 1250
Secondary Market
In early 1941 the German Luftwaffe prepares for the coming offensive against England. Luftwaffe bases are scattered across the north coast of France. Mont St. Michel, the most famous historic landmark in the French coast, has seen it all before. Built by the Normans between the 11th and 16th centuries on a solid granite rock rising 250 feet out of the sea, this ancient monastery has witnessed conflict over nearly a thousand years. It knows that, given time, this campaign will pass into history like all the others before it. With the historic landmark beside them, a group of Me109s race across the coast at just 50 feet, inbound from a fighter sweep over the English Channel and heading back to their base in Northern France. Weather permitting tomorrow they will fly a bomb strike against shipping, or a hit-and-run attack on English ports. The bustling activity over this sleepy coastal community is incessant. This is one of the most exquisite aviation prints ever done, contrasting the menace of the Luftwaffe with the magnificent scenery of the French countryside.
In addition to the artist this print was individually signed by four of the most significant men to serve in the Luftwaffe.
- General ADOLF GALLAND (The youngest general in the German High Command, Galland was the Inspector General of the fighter arm and achieved 104 aerial victories in the Me109 and the Me262 jet fighter. Galland was awarded the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds.)
- General HANNES TRAUTLOFT (Flew 550 combat missions and achieved 57 aerial victories; was awarded the Knight's Cross.)
- General DIETER HRABAK (Flew 820 combat missions and achieved 125 aerial victories; was awarded the Knight's Cross and was a founding member of the German Air Force after the Wars.)
- Colonel HERBERT IHLEFELD (Flew more than 1,000 missions and achieved 140 aerial victories; was awarded the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves.)
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity.