Details
MOST MEMORABLE DAY – EXCLUSIVE 2 PRINT SET
by Robert Taylor
Print Sizes:
Print: 33" x 25¼"
Sketch: 24" x 18"
Edition Size: 1000
Secondary Market
We at Classic Aviation & War Art, LLC are pleased to offer this EXCLUSIVE LIKE-NUMBERED 2 print set consisting of the MOST MEMORABLE DAY Limited Edition print and the MOST MEMORABLE DAY Working Sketch!
MOST MEMORABLE DAY
The following report was written personally by General Adolf Galland in 1991 exclusively for the Military Gallery:
"My most memorable combat occurred on June 21, 1941, with JG-26 in Northern France. At about noon I took off from Audembert with my "Staff" Squadron to intercept a formation of Blenheim bombers with about 50 escort fighters heading for the Luftwaffe airfield at St. Omer-Wizernes. Intercepting the formation near Dunkirk, in a single pass I shot first at a Spitfire without seeing the result, and then a Blenheim which was quickly finished. After diving steeply I shot down a second Blenheim in flames, and saw two crew escape by parachute. This was my 69th victory. I was then set upon by several Spitfires, receiving severe hits in the engine, which began to smoke, and I switched off immediately. Luckily, Calais-Merk was within gliding distance and I belly-landed there. My number two, Bruno Hegenauer, had been shot down in the combat, and bailed out without injury.
In the afternoon I foolishly took off alone to intercept a second incursion north of Boulogne. Before joining up with my squadrons I sighted a Spitfire formation below and attacked a single aircraft, shooting at very close range. It promptly exploded. Unprotected from the rear, my Me109 received hits from a second Spitfire. I got splinters in my head and arm, and with fuel burning in the cockpit, was forced to bail out. I was unable to jettison the canopy and, trying to climb out with it hanging open, my parachute became caught in the rear section. Flames were now blowing over me and just as I was about to take off my chute, somehow the radio mast saved me and I was out. After some treatment, relaxing over a glass of brandy and a cigar, I learned I had been awarded Swords to the Knight's Cross - and an order directly from Hitler forbidding me to fly any more combat missions for the time being." © Military Gallery
Robert Taylor's "MOST MEMORABLE DAY" relives General Adolf Galland's personal account of the combat at noon on June 21, 1941. In this superb painting, Adolf Galland is seen powering his Me109 through the leading formation of Blenheims, raking the lead aircraft with cannon fire. In the background a fierce dogfight is developing between the Me109s of JG-26 and Spitfires of 303 Squadron. Losses and victories will be high on both sides today - Adolf Galland's Most Memorable Day.
In addition to the artist this print is individually signed in pencil by:
- General ADOLF GALLAND
- Oberst JOHANNES NAUMANN
- Major GERHARD SCHOPFEL
- Hauptmann OTTO STAMBERGER
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
MOST MEMORABLE DAY WORKING SKETCH
Reproduced from the original working drawing, this superb pencil print depicts Adolf Galland and his wingman Bruno Hegenauer as they break through the fighter escort of No 303 Squadron's Spitfires to attack Blenheim bombers of No 21 Squadron over northern France, 21 June 1941.
In two missions that day Galland claimed two Blenheims and one Spitfire, survived a forced crash-landing, and later a parachute escape from his blazing Me109. That evening he learned he was to become the first recipient of the Knights Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords - Germany's highest award for heroism.
Signed by the artist.
