STORM FORCE...THE LUTZOW & HACKL TRIBUTE EDITION
(Signatures)	Artist : Nicolas Trudgian and the nine outstanding Luftwaffe Knights Cross Holder Aces of the Sturmbocke Edition , Hans-Ekkehard Bob Knights Cross , Hugo Broch Knights Cross , Adolf Dickfeld Knights Cross with Oakleaves , Hermann Neuhoff Knights Cross , Günther Rall Knights Cross with Oakleaves and Swords , Edmund Rossmann Knights Cross , Erich Rudorffer Knights Cross with Oakleaves and Swords , Günter Seeger Knights Cross and Otto Schultz Knights Cross...Additionally , each of the five prints in this Tribute Edition include the matted Original wartime signatures in ink of two of the most outstanding Luftwaffe Fighter pilots to grace the sky : Gunther Lutzow Knights Cross Oakleaves and Swords missing in action and Anton ' Toni ' Hackle Knights Cross Oakleaves and Swords...Most of the signatures on this print were collected during the 1980's and early 1990's and therefore are extremely rare and unrepeatable.
(Dimensions)	34" 1/2 x 25" 1/2 approx  Mounted Multi signed Print with matted signatures
Price	£1295.00

Description

High over the snow-capped Alps on the 18th July 1944, a large formation of B-17Gs from the 483rd Bomb Group, 15th Air force, made their way from their base in Italy over the beautiful but hostile terrain of the mountains en route to their target in south eastern Germany. Out of the crystal blue sky they were suddenly intercepted by a determined force of Fw190A-8/R2 ‘Sturmbocke’ of IV.(Sturm)/JG3 ‘Udet’. Despite the best 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. The ‘Sturm’ concept was a direct response to the Luftwaffe's difficulty in shooting down the tough and well armed US Heavy Bombers, especially the B-17. The fighter chosen to carry out the new tactic was a special version of the Fw190A-8. It carried additional armour to deflect the heavy machine gun fire from the bombers and was also given the extra attacking power of two of the much-feared Mk108 30mm cannons with 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. IV.(Sturm)/JG3 'Udet' was the Luftwaffe's premier 'Sturm' Unit and 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 man who led the Unit on 18th July 1944, Hauptmann Wilhelm Moritz. By war’s end, IV.(Sturm)/JG3 ‘Udet’ had amassed over 500 Victories...Editions : The Lutzow and Hackle Tribute Edition limited to only 5 copies worldwide...Signed by the artist and the nine outstanding Luftwaffe Knights Cross Holder Aces of the Sturmbocke Edition , Hans-Ekkehard Bob Knights Cross , Hugo Broch Knights Cross , Adolf Dickfeld Knights Cross with Oakleaves , Hermann Neuhoff Knights Cross , Günther Rall Knights Cross with Oakleaves and Swords , Edmund Rossmann Knights Cross , Erich Rudorffer Knights Cross with Oakleaves and Swords , Günter Seeger Knights Cross and Otto Schultz Knights Cross...Additionally , each of the five prints in this Tribute Edition include the matted Original wartime signatures in ink of two of the most outstanding Luftwaffe Fighter pilots to grace the sky : Gunther Lutzow Knights Cross Oakleaves and Swords missing in action and Anton ' Toni ' Hackle Knights Cross Oakleaves and Swords...Most of the signatures on this print were collected during the 1980's and early 1990's and therefore are extremely rare and unrepeatable...priced @ £1295.00...The Tribute edition comes with laser copy signatures matted in the mount and the wartime signatures separate in a protective folder...Printed in light fast inks on acid free archival paper. To complement the purchase of your fine art print, we are now able to offer a professional Picture Framing service. For further details please contact us by phone or email.