In the entire history of fighter aviation there has never been a combat unit like JV44. Commanded by a General, its pilots were – without exception – made up of high scoring, highly decorated fighter aces, flying an aircraft so advanced that its technology was revolutionary. In its brief life during the dying months of WWII it wrote its own short passage in history.
As the Allied Forces drove inexorably towards Berlin, General Adolf Galland formed the new JV-44 wing to operate the Messerschmitt ME262 twin jet fighter in a last-ditch effort to stem the tide. The combination of mercurial leadership and advanced fighter aircraft became a magnet for the Luftwaffe’s elite, drawing a host of colorful high-scoring fighter pilots together for a “last fling” in combat, flying the new jet fighter.
So brilliant was the collection of pilots Galland recruited that the Knights Cross was referred to as the Squadron “badge.” The combination of skilled, experienced pilots, and an aircraft vastly superior to anything else in the air gave the squadron immediate success.
Robert Taylor’s limited edition print does superb justice to this unique and historic fighter wing, bringing to life again Adolf Galland’s unique Squadron of Experts as they dive into attack at over 900km per hour. This beautiful print sold out immediately and has since been very highly sought on the secondary market. The artistry, desirability and rare signatures make this a must-own for any serious collector.
Signatures:Generalleutnant ADOLF GALLAND Knights Cross with Oak leaves, Swords & Diamonds – 104 victories
General JOHANNES “MACKY” STEINHOFF Knights Cross with Oak leaves & Swords – 178 victories
Generalleutnant WALTER KRUPINSKI Knights Cross with Oak leaves – 197 victories
Leutnant HERBERT KAISER Knights Cross – 68 victories
In the entire history of fighter aviation there has never been a combat unit like JV44. Commanded by a General, its pilots were – without exception – made up of high scoring, highly decorated fighter aces, flying an aircraft so advanced that its technology was revolutionary. In its brief life during the dying months of WWII it wrote its own short passage in history.
