Details
VICTORY OVER THE RHINE
Anniversary Edition
by Nicolas Trudgian
Overall Print Size: 35½" x 26⅝"
Edition Size: 350
Secondary Market
Introducing a unique new format the hugely talented artist Nicolas Trudgian has specially painted four extra images featuring some of the most famous aircraft types flown by the Royal Air Force during World War II to accompany his impressive main painting "VICTORY OVER THE RHINE." Featured are a Hurricane of 85 Squadron, a Lancaster of 83 Squadron, a Tempest from 150 Wing, and a Mosquito from 571 Squadron. Each individual work of art, a painting in its own right, is beautifully reproduced as part of the limited edition print.
As the age-old pilots' maxim goes "if it looks right, it'll fly right" and never more was the old adage more applicable to both the Spitfire and the Me262. Of the many famous combat aircraft to serve their respective countries in the Second World War, two perhaps more than any others created huge impact and consternation upon seasoned opposing pilots when they first appeared on the battlefront - the Supermarine Spitfire and the Messerschmitt Me262. Both in their day represented enormous advances in aircraft design and power, and both have continued to capture the imagination of aviation enthusiasts ever since. As the war progressed the Spitfire continually up-graded its performance and by the time the Luftwaffe's new Me262 turbo-jet arrived on the scene the sleek new Mk XIV, powered by the awesome Griffon engine, was among the fastest Piston-engine fighters of the war. The stage was set for a clash between the most powerful piston engine fighter and the world's first turbojet, and it was not long before the pilots of these two most advanced combat aircraft met in the hostile skies over Western Europe. Ill-advisedly employed by Hitler as the wonder-bomber, the Me262 was initially issued to Bomber Units, one of which being KG51. Tasked with undertaking lightning fast raids upon advancing Allied ground forces, the shark-like jets employed their spectacular speed advantage to surprise, strike, and escape. Not to be outdone, the RAF responded with their supremely fast Spitfire XIVs which had already proved themselves highly effective against Germany's VI flying bombs.
"VICTORY OVER THE RHINE" recreates a typical moment: Spitfire Mk XIVs of 41 Squadron have intercepted and damaged a Me262 of KG 51 and, with smoke and debris pouring from its damaged Jumo 004 Turbojet, the stricken Luftwaffe jet will be lucky to make it home. This dramatic print is a fine tribute to the RAF's contribution to the Victory in Europe.
In addition to the artist this print is individually signed in pencil by FIVE highly respected RAF pilots who flew combat in the European Theatre during World War II:
- Spitfire Flight Lieutenant HUGH PARRY
- Hurricane Wing Commander J. F. D. ELKINGTON
- Lancaster Squadron Leader NORMAN SCRIVENER
- Tempest Flight Lieutenant JAMES KYLE
- Mosquito Flight Lieutenant H. E. 'BERTIE' BOULTER
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
