Open Assault

The Junkers Ju-87 Sturzkampfbomber, known to the British simply as the Stuka, had already acquired a deadly reputation across Europe, its siren screaming as the ungainly dive-bomber struck terror into the hearts of those below. In 1940 its pilots crossed the Channel with their grim-looking aircraft to terrorise the southern towns and ports of England. Robert Taylor’s memorable aviation art print ‘Open Assault’, depicts Hurricanes of 501 Squadron attacking a force of Ju-87 Stukas as they dive-bomb naval vessels and installations in the port of Dover on 29 July 1940. High explosive bombs detonate within the sheltered anchorage as escorting Bf-109s from JG51 race in to protect their lumbering charges. Four Stukas and two Me-109s are despatched, for the loss of just one RAF aircraft.

Limited Edition:

• 400 signed and numbered
• 250 Collectors Edition
• 150 General’s Edition
• 25 Collectors Edition Künstlerexemplare
• 10 Rudel Tribute Proofs (Sold out)

Signatures:

LIMITED EDITION
Every print in the Limited Edition has been signed by one of the last surviving Luftwaffe Stuka pilots from the war and two pilots that flew Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain:
Group Captain BYRON DUCKENFIELD AFC
Leutnant WILHELM NOLLER
Wing Commander TONY PICKERING

THE COLLECTORS EDITION
The SIX signature Collectors Edition is also signed by the following veterans of the Battle of Britain:
Squadron Leader DOUGLAS NICHOLLS DFC
Major ERIC RUDORFFER
Oberleutnant GÜNTHER SEEGER

THE GENERALS EDITION
Each of these EIGHT signature prints were individually hand signed by two of the most prominant Aces of the War including General Johannes Steinhoff who signed in England, September 1990 and can now be released under arrangements made at that time with General Steinhoff:
General JOHANNES STEINHOFF 1913 – 1994
Generalleutnant GÜNTHER RALL

THE RUDEL TRIBUTE PROOF (sold out - published price was GBP 2100)
With ALL the components of the Generals Edition, the Tribute Proof Edition is released with a unique, ORIGINAL, hand-signed and hand-numbered pencil drawing by artist Robert Taylor, matted to include the authentic wartime signature of HANS-ULRICH RUDEL, the most successful Stuka Ace in history, his wingman HELMUT FICKEL, together with three other eminent Stuka pilots, all holders of the Knights Cross. The main print, Open Assault, is also signed by Battle of Britain Luftwaffe Ace Hans-Ekkehard Bob:

Oberst HANS-ULRICH RUDEL 1916 – 1982
Oberleutnant HELMUT FICKEL (matted)
Major FRANZ KIESLICH (matted)
Oberst KURT KUHLMEY (matted)
Oberstleutnant HANS-KARL STEPP (matted)
Major HANS-EKKEHARD BOB (main print)