Details
RUHR VALLEY INVADERS
by Nicolas Trudgian
Overall Print Size: 36" x 20"
Edition Size: 450
Secondary Market
When the seasoned B-26 crews of the 386th Bomb Group took delivery of their Douglas A-26 Invader aircraft in September 1944, the arrival of their new fast attack bombers neatly coincided with a move to France. Now based at Beaumont-sur-Oise, they were able to penetrate deep into enemy territory. The three man crews took part in the Battle of the Bulge, their twin-engined aircraft being well suited to their task of destroying strategic bridges and cutting vital supply lines. After the Ardennes Campaign, now fully equipped with the A-26, the 386th BG continued to strike hard against important targets in Germany, the nimble handling characteristics of the aircraft making low-level attacks a specialty. As the Allies advanced upon Germany the 386th moved to St. Trond in Belgium, their base at the time of Nicolas Trudgian's dramatic painting.
In "RUHR VALLEY INVADERS," arriving at high speed over the busy German rail yard in the heart of the Ruhr Valley, barely skimming the nearby factory chimney stacks on the way into the target, the A-26 crews on the 386th deliver a devastating blow, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. With bombs away, the Invader crews strafe the area with their battery of ten forward-firing .50 caliber machine guns, the roar of their twin 2000 horse power engines heightening the tension and confusion on the ground.
In addition to the artist this print was individually signed in pencil by THREE distinguished A-26 Invader aircrew who flew the A-26 in combat during World War II:
- Colonel DICK DENISON
- Major CARL OATES
- Captain EARL SLANKER
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
