Devastating Thunder by Brian Bateman

This exciting new print release by aviation artist Brian Bateman depicts the P-47D at its absolute best - strafing and wreaking havoc on ground targets - in this case a German BR52 locomotive having stopped at small clearing in northern France in early 1944.

Affectionately called the “Jug” by pilots because of its massive size and weight for a fighter, Col. Steve “Spiros” Pisanos (ret), 334 FS 4th FG and his wingman make their initial pass firing at tree top level as they wreak havoc on the supply train.

Strafing targets of opportunity was exhilarating yet an extremely dangerous business, which Steve pointed out to the artist during the creation of this piece. He stated that from his RAF training days after the initial run you never pulled up but stayed as low as possible until safe to gain altitude, making yourself less of a target to flak gunners as you made your strafing run.

Signature:

Col. Steve PISANOS