Details
AGAINST ALL ODDS
(4 Signature Edition)
LAST ONE
by Robert Taylor
Overall Print Size: 32" x 24"
Edition Size: 750
Speaking of the threat posed by the German U-Boats, Winston Churchill said: "Battles might be won or lost, enterprises might succeed or miscarry, territories might be gained or quitted, but dominating all our power to carry on the war, or even keep ourselves alive, lay our mastery of the ocean routes and the free approach and entry to our ports... The only thing that ever really frightened me during the war was the V-Boat peril." Over 2770 merchant ships were sunk by the U-Boats, but they in turn paid a terrible price: Over 500 U-Boat captains were lost with over 30,000 men. Of the 1150 U-Boats placed in service, over half were lost in action during the 1939-45 conflict. The U-Boat sailors were among the bravest fighting men of World War II. They pressed home their attacks when their position seemed hopeless, battled against vastly superior numbers, made huge sacrifices, and won their victories often in the most appalling conditions. That their fearsome trade was decreed by lunatic politicians does nothing to diminish their seamanship and the magnitude of their accomplishments. Their bravery was of the highest order.
Robert Taylor's "AGAINST ALL ODDS" portrays the renowned defiance of the U-Boat crews. Caught on the surface by a PBY Catalina of the Fleet Air Wing based at Port Lyautey in French Morocco, the gun crews of a type VIIc U-Boat are quickly into action. The 3.7 cm anti-aircraft gun is hurriedly reloaded while on the upper platform the two 2 cm anti-aircraft twins take chunks out of the Catalina's tail - enough damage to secure a respite from the attack. Soon they will dive to relative safety beneath the Atlantic swell. A masterpiece of military art from the master of air and sea painting, this rare print is a true collector's gem.
In addition to the artist this print is personally signed by FOUR (4) submariners of the German Kreigsmarine, all of whom are holders of the Knight's Cross:
- Kapitanleutnant KARL-AUGUST LANDFERMANN
- Oberbootsmannsmaat RUDOLF M. BAUER
- Kapitanleutnant HEINRICH SCHROETELER
- Korveitenkapitan HELMUT WITTE
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
