14 January 1945; and the war was not going well for Germany. The noose was tightening as American, British and Canadian armies, having broken out from their Normandy landings seven months earlier, stood on the banks of the Rhine. In the east vast numbers of Russians were driving relentlessly towards Berlin. On their bomb-cratered airfields the Luftwaffe prepared for the final onslaught during the Defense of the Reich. Despite the shock of Operation Bodenplatte on New Year's Eve - the Luftwaffe's unexpected yet unsuccessful attempt to wipe out the Allied air forces on their advanced airfields in the Low Countries - Germany had all but surrendered air superiority to the Allies. Today, therefore, was yet another gamble as they assembled some 200 fighters to counter nearly 900 Eighth Air Force bombers, and almost as many fighter escorts, tasked with destroying oil refineries, storage depots and other strategic targets in central Germany. For the Luftwaffe the day was to end in retreat and disaster; they lost 161 fighters, the highest number ever recorded. Few artists can capture the ferocity of an aerial battle with the skill and ability of Robert Taylor, and this breath-taking painting will undoubtedly rank as one of the pinnacles in his long and distinguished career. He captures a moment during that massive aerial battle in January 1945 near Ludwigslust in northern Germany, as enemy fighters from JG300 and JG301 make a head-on attack through a close formation of B-17s from the 390th Bomb Group who are heading to bomb Magdeburg. But their ever-vigilant P-51 escorts are aware of the threat and quickly engage the enemy with devastating results. Signed by three veterans who fought in this epic battle: Lt GÜNTHER SINNECKER Bf109 Ace with JG302 & JG300 / 5 victories Col JOE PETERBURS Pilot on P-51s with the 20th FG / 2 victories T/Sgt WILLIAM STOVALL Top Turret Gunner

• Edition Size: 200
• Overall Print Size: 32 ¼" wide x 24" high
• Signed by 3 aviators who took part in the battle

Edition Size: 200Robert Taylor