Storm Force
Fw-190A-8 of JG3 'Udet' attacking B-17Gs over the Alps
Storm Force © Nicolas Trudgian
Storm Force © Nicolas Trudgian
Description
Limited Edition
* Each print has a unique original pencil drawing inscribed on it by the Artist, which can be drawn to your own specifications. Drawing size approx. 15 cm x 5 cm. When placing your order please specify your drawing requirements or whether you would like Nicolas to design it for you. As this is a bespoke order please allow up to 4 weeks before shipping.
The aviation art print 'Storm Force' by Nicolas Trudgian is 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 aviation art print 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.
Limited Edition
- 100 Artist's Special Reserve Edition, signed by the Artist only.
- 350 JG3 'Udet' Edition, signed by the Artist and two outstanding Luftwaffe Fw190 Aces, both holders of the Knights Cross: Erich Rudorffer RKS, Hugo Broch RK.
- 10 JG3 'Udet' Remarque* Edition, signed as above.
- 165 'Sturmboecke' Edition, signed by the Artist and nine outstanding Luftwaffe Fighter Aces, all holders of the Knights Cross: Günther Rall RKS, Hugo Broch RK, Hermann Neuhoff RK, Otto Schultz RK, Erich Rudorffer RKS, Hans-Ekkehard Bob RK, Günter Seeger RK, Adolf Dickfeld RKE, Edmund Rossmann RK.
- 10 'Sturmboecke' Remarque* Edition, signed as above.
- 60 Canvas Giclee Edition. The only opportunity to obtain the full-size canvas reproduction of this painting, individually signed and numbered in paint by the artist. Size when stretched approximately 61 cm x 91 cm.
- 5 'Lützow und Hackl' Tribute Edition, Signed by the artist and the nine Luftwaffe Luftwaffe Fighter Aces of the Sturmbocke edition, plus the rare clipped wartime signatures of Günther Lützow KCOS and Anton Hackl KCOS. Günther Lützow was reported missing in action during the war and his body was never found. Anton ‘Toni ‘ Hackle survived the war and lived until 1984. The Tribute Edition comes with laser copy signatures matted in the mount and the wartime signatures separate in a protective folder.
Published November 2015
Overall Height ca.
66
cm
Image Height ca.
44
cm
Overall Width ca.
91
cm
Image Width ca.
70
cm
