Storm Force by Nicolas Trudgian
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A sparkling image of the aerial war high over the crystal Alps of Europe. Above the dazzling white Alps on the 18th July 1944, a large formation of B-17Gs from the 483rd Bomb Group, 15th Air force, flew from their base in Italy over the beautiful, but hostile, mountains to their target in south eastern Germany. Suddenly, out of the azure sky, they were intercepted by a determined force of Fw190A-8 ‘Sturmbocke’ of IV.(Sturm)/JG3 ‘Udet’. Despite the brave efforts of the American escort fighters no fewer than fourteen of the B17s were shot down in a devastating attack that lasted just fifteen minutes.In this powerful painting Nicolas Trudgian portrays the Luftwaffe's premier 'Sturm' unit, IV.(Sturm)/JG3 'Udet', which served throughout the 'Defence of the Reich' period and the Ardennes Offensive. A number of the unit’s pilots won the Knight’s Cross whilst serving in the 'Sturm' role, including Oscar Romm, Hans Weik and the officer who led the unit on 18th July 1944, Hauptmann Wilhelm Moritz. By the war’s end, IV.(Sturm)/JG3 ‘Udet’ had amassed over 500 victories.
The ‘Sturm’ concept was the Luftwaffe's response to their difficulty in shooting down the strong and heavily armed US bombers, especially the B-17. The fighter chosen to carry out the new tactic was a special version of the Fw190A-8. This aircraft was reinforced with additional armour to deflect deadly machine gun fire. It also carried the extra attacking power of two of the much-feared Mk108 30mm cannons which fired high explosive shells. The ideal 'Sturm' attack was delivered from behind, closing in to virtually point-blank range. It required nerves of steel from the pilots. This exciting limited edition also offers signatures of up to 11 Knight's Cross Aces, collected over a long period of time, some of them very rare.
Signatures:
Canvas Giclée
JG3 'Udet' Edition
Sturmbocke Edition:
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