Details
RICHTHOFEN’S FLYING CIRCUS
by Nicolas Trudgian
Overall Print Size: 38" x 22"
Edition Size: 600
Secondary Market
In the history of aerial combat there is no more famous name than Manfred von Richthofen, otherwise known as 'The Red Baron.' Richthofen's brightly colored fighters were the scourge of the Royal Flying Corps and their antics up and down the Front earned then the famous nickname 'Richthofen's Flying Circus.' In truth they were a highly respected fighting unit, capable of launching up to 50 aircraft, and were involved in many of the legendary dogfights of World War I. A mercurial leader, Richthofen was the premier German Ace. When taking command of JG1 in 1917 he chose bright red paintwork to distinguish his own squadron's aircraft from others in the wing – making easy and quick identification possible during the turmoil of closely fought dogfights. Shunning the obvious target he made of himself, Richthofen declared that the commander's aircraft should be conspicuously painted so that in the melee of large formation battles he could exert some control over events.
Nicolas Trudgian's dramatic "RICHTHOFEN’S FLYING CIRCUS" recreates the scene near Cambrai, northern France on the morning of March 18th, 1918. Aware of a build-up of forces for a massive German offensive, many Royal Flying Corps squadrons attacked the German positions at very low altitude. Responding with as m,any squadrons as they could muster, including Richthofen's JG1 wing, there followed one of the largest dogfights of World War I. Seen in the foreground are a Fokker Triplane and an Albatros, having 'winged' a Sopwith Camel from 54 Squadron RFC, as another Camel, and a Bristol fighter of 11 Squadron RFC, turn to engage the German fighters. The entire scene captures the very essence of the First World War and is sure to thrill enthusiasts of aviation history.
Artist signed and numbered.
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
