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History
of the B-29 Superfortress. The Boeing B-29
Superfortress in aviation art prints including the Enolo Gay flown by
Colonel Paul Tibbets, in aviation paintings by David Pentland and Robert
Taylor, available from aviation prints.co.uk.
The
largest and most powerful bomber of WW II, the Boeing B-29 Super
Fortress, played a major role in bringing about the defeat of Japan. In
addition to accelerating Japans surrender following the bombing of
Hiroshima and Nagasaki with atomic bombs, thousands of B-29 crews flew
tens of thousands of bombing missions against Japan from bases in China,
India, and later in the War from recaptured islands in the Pacific.
B-29s entered service in 1943 following a lengthy, problem-filled,
development process of three years in response to the governments
request for a long range strategic bomber. Only Boeing and Douglas (the
B-32 Dominator) responded to the governments requests, and the B-32 had
even greater development problems than the B-29. Powered by four giant
Wright R-3350-23 radial engines generating a total horsepower of 8,924,
the Super Fortresses typically carried crews of ten. They were capable
of a top speed of 357-MPH, and at slower cruising speeds had a range of
more than 3,200 miles. The B-29 was a large aircraft for its time with a
wingspan in excess of 140 feet and a length of just under 100 feet. The
Super Forts also had pressurized forward and aft hulls, which made the
long distance missions a bit more comfortable for the flight crews.
B-29s typically carried defensive armament which included ten machine
guns and a single tail-mounted canon. Because of the pressurized hull,
the guns were operated by remote control. The first operational B-29
wing was the 58th which flew out of the China-Burma-India
theater. On March 9, 1945 General Curtis LeMay ordered an unusual low
altitude attack on Tokyo by hundreds of B-29s carrying incendiary bombs.
Five such low level missions were scheduled over a ten-day period, and
the combined destruction of these missions exceeded that of either of
the atomic bomb missions. B-29s were also effectively used to mine
Japanese ports and shipping lanes. The Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu heavy
fighter, which is depicted attacking the B-29 in Stan Stokes painting,
entered production in 1941 following a lengthy four year development.
About 1,700 of these aircraft, code named Nick by the allies, were
produced. The Ki-45 never proved effective as a long range daylight
interceptor. It was, however, used effectively in ground attack and
night fighter roles. It was one of only a few Japanese aircraft that had
some success against the onslaught of B-29s because it was able to
attain the high altitudes necessary to intercept the high-flying Super
Fortresses. This print is dedicated to the thousands of B-29 officers
and crewmen who hastened the end of the Pacific War.
Turning Point by David Pentland 6th August 1945, Col. Paul Tibbets puts his aircraft, Enolo Gay, into
a violent turn to evade the blast of the atomic bomb on the Japanese
city of Hiroshima. This marked a turning point in the war and history.
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| Iwo Jima - A Hard Won Haven by John D Shaw. Only 660 miles from Tokyo, the small volcanic island of Iwo Jima was recognized as early as 1943 as being a vital location to secure an airbase for allied aircraft, in order to achieve victory in the Pacific. Forseeing this goal, the Japanese began extensive fortifications early, preparing for the eventual onslaught. Within Iwo Jimas myriad tunnels, both underground and within the extinct volcano known as mt Suribachi, enemy forces were able to remain virtually unscathed during the 72 day heavy bombardment in late 1944, which preceded the American landings. In mid Ferbuary 1945, the invasion landing forces arrived, and so began one of the bloodiest and most bitter battles of World War II. Over the course of the next 36 days, the United States Marine Corps would experience many of its most horrific hours, but certainly their finest as well. Marine photographer Joe Rosenthals shot of Old Glory being hoisted aloft atop Suribachi came to be recognized as possibly the most famous photo in history. During the first week of March, the first B-29 to make an emergency landing at Iwo touched down. With its nose art bearing the name Dinah Might, this Superfortress and its crew were hastily repaired, aided and again took to the air within half an hour. Many others soon would follow. Shown here, a B-29 of 34th Bomb Group limps in to Iwos runway number one as emergency crews prepare for more incoming planes, some of which would inevitably have to ditch in the water offshore to avoid an explosive pileup. It is estimated that nearly 25,000 airmen lives would ultimately be spared as a result of being able to make emergency landings there. Nearly 7000 Marines died taking Iwo, with many thousands awarded, the largest number during any single campaign. Of the 23000 Japanese troops defending Iwo, only 1083 were taken prisoner. By the beginning of April, Iwo Jima was secure enough to base P-51 Mustangs to escort the B-29s to Japan, as allies prepared for the frightful prospect of a land invasion on Japans mainland, which historians speculate would likely have cost potentially millions more lives. At this time, more than 60 years after the battle, only a small remnant remains of those who participated first hand in this epic battle. Forever a sympbol of freedom, Iwo Jima remains truly sacred ground. Signed limited edition of 500 prints. Paper size 31.5 inches x 16.5 inches (80cm x 42cm). Price £165.00 Signed by Vernard W Brintzenhofe USMC, Clair C Chaffin USMC, Jack L Colby USMC, Roy Earle USMC, Harry D Hink USAAF, Norman T Hatch USMC, Herb Ing USMC, Raymond Jacobs USMC, Henry Koellein USMC, Grover E Thompson USMC, Cyril OBrien, Gordon Ward USMC and Robert Weiler USAAF.
Limited edition of 100 artist proofs. Paper size 31.5 inches x 16.5 inches (80cm x 42cm). Price £195.00 Signed by Vernard W Brintzenhofe USMC, Clair C Chaffin USMC, Jack L Colby USMC, Roy Earle USMC, Harry D Hink USAAF, Norman T Hatch USMC, Herb Ing USMC, Raymond Jacobs USMC, Henry Koellein USMC, Grover E Thompson USMC, Cyril OBrien, Gordon Ward USMC, Robert Weiler USAAF and Jack Lucas USMC MOH.  Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Artist signed edition of 1225 prints. Paper size 31.5 inches x 16.5 inches (80cm x 42cm). Price £95.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
ITEM CODE DHM2634 |
| Pacific Dolls by Stan Stokes. The Boeing B-29 Superfortress was undoubtedly the best all-around strategic bomber of WW 11. Because of its fairly late deployment in the War, fewer (3,970) Superfortesses were built than any other U.S. strategic bomber. Because of its large payload, and incredible range, a decision was made to utilize the B-29 exclusively in the Pacific and production models began to arrive in India and China in the spring of 1944. By mid 1945 the B-29 was being operated from bases established in the Mariana Islands, and devastating bombing raids were being flown against Japan on a regular basis. The Texas Doll was a Saipan-based B29 of the 497th Bomb Group, which was under the command of Col. Edward Cutler in 1944 & 1945. In a soon to be published book entitled Flying the Red Carpet, Lt. Col. Don Julin, Cutlers navigator, chronicles in both words and photographs his experiences flying out of Saipan in 1945. The Texas Doll participated in the massive fire bombing raid on Tokyo on March 10, 1945. General Lemay insisted on an all-out low level attack and the Doll was stripped of armor plate and left two of its gunners at home for that mission. Follow-up raids on Nagoya, Osaka, and Kobe followed within days, and it was clear from that point on that Imperial Japans days were numbered. These missions were not without risk. On his first mission with the Doll, Julin recounts how the bomb bay was hit with a 20mm round from a Japanese twin-engine fighter. The concussion from this shell distorted the shape of one of the Dolls fuel tanks, leading to some harrowing fuel shortages on future flights. On Julins first mission from Saipan his B-29 depressurized over Japan. One of the crew members flak jacket, oxygen mask, and shirt were stripped from him, and the pilot was forced to make a emergency dive to 10,000 feet. Returning to Saipan on another mission Cutler and his crewmates watched a B-29 ditch 100 miles short of making it back. In June of 1945 the Dolls crew witnessed two B-29s collide at only 1000 feet in altitude. On April 1, 1945 Cutlers crew watched in terror as the aircraft just ahead of them crashed into the Pacific and exploded upon takeoff. On March 25, 1945 Cutler and his crew flew their final mission with the Doll painted on the nose of their aircraft. It appears that a number of people back at the Pentagon were giving in to pressure, and all the voluptuous nose art which was so inspirational to the crews which risked their lives on each mission, was now deemed inappropriate. In his nostalgic painting entitled Pacific Dolls, award-winning aviation artist Stan Stokes depicts the Texas Doll at Salpan following a mission in March of 1945. This painting is dedicated to all the courageous crews which both flew and serviced all those Pacific Dolls during the War, and is a tribute to this great aircraft which explicitly helped America win the War in the Pacific. Signed limited edition of 950 prints, signed by all five officers of the Texas Doll - a B-29 which flew out of Saipan in 1944/45, and the artist. Size 26 inches x 22 inches (66cm x 56cm). Price £75.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Save £5 on selected prints - Was £80
ITEM CODE STK0095 |
| Valour in the Pacific by Robert Taylor. Depicted are B-29s of the 499th Bomb Group, 73rd Wing of the 20th Air Force. After a daylight raid on Tokyo, showing all the telltale signs of combat over the target, a Wing of the worlds largest and fastest-ever piston-engined bombers make their long over-water journey home, still many hours away at Saipan Island. At the extremity of their range, little friends, very-long-range P-51 Mustang escort fighters, peel off and head for home - leaving the mighty bombers to fend for themselves. Signed limited edition of 1250 prints. Paper size 34 inches x 25 inches (86cm x 64cm). Price £200.00 Signed by Colonel Ray Brashear (deceased), Brigadier General Henry Huglin (deceased), Lieutenant Chester Marshall and Colonel Bob Morgan (deceased).
Limited edition of artist proofs. Paper size 34 inches x 25 inches (86cm x 64cm). Price £325.00 Signed by Colonel Ray Brashear (deceased), Brigadier General Henry Huglin (deceased), Lieutenant Chester Marshall and Colonel Bob Morgan (deceased).
ITEM CODE DHM2226 |
| Turning Point by David Pentland. 6th August 1945, Col. Paul Tibbets puts his aircraft, Enola Gay, into a violent turn to evade the blast of the atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. This marked a turning point in the war and history. Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 23 inches x 14 inches (58cm x 36cm). Price £95.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Tibbets signature edition of 20 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 23 inches x 14 inches (58cm x 36cm). Price £220.00 Signed by Col. Paul Tibbets (deceased).
Original painting by David Pentland. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £2400.00
**Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. (One copy reduced to clear) Image size 23 inches x 14 inches (58cm x 36cm). Price £70.00
ITEM CODE DHM0796 |
| By the Dawns Early Light by Iain Wyllie. B-29 Bocks Car, 9th August 1945. Bocks Car was a B-29 Super Flying Fortress that dropped the fat man nuclear bomb over Nagasaki on 9th August 1945 it was the second nuclear bomb to be dropped on Japan. Open edition print. Image size 16.5 inches x 11.5 inches (42cm x 29cm). Price £16.00
ITEM CODE IW0002 |
| Final Assault by Stan Stokes. The largest and most powerful bomber of WW II, the Boeing B-29 Super Fortress, played a major role in bringing about the defeat of Japan. In addition to accelerating Japans surrender following the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with atomic bombs, thousands of B-29 crews flew tens of thousands of bombing missions against Japan from bases in China, India, and later in the War from recaptured islands in the Pacific. B-29s entered service in 1943 following a lengthy, problem-filled, development process of three years in response to the governments request for a long range strategic bomber. Only Boeing and Douglas (the B-32 Dominator) responded to the governments requests, and the B-32 had even greater development problems than the B-29. Powered by four giant Wright R-3350-23 radial engines generating a total horsepower of 8,924, the Super Fortresses typically carried crews of ten. They were capable of a top speed of 357-MPH, and at slower cruising speeds had a range of more than 3,200 miles. The B-29 was a large aircraft for its time with a wingspan in excess of 140 feet and a length of just under 100 feet. The Super Forts also had pressurized forward and aft hulls, which made the long distance missions a bit more comfortable for the flight crews. B-29s typically carried defensive armament which included ten machine guns and a single tail-mounted canon. Because of the pressurized hull, the guns were operated by remote control. The first operational B-29 wing was the 58th which flew out of the China-Burma-India theater. On March 9, 1945 General Curtis LeMay ordered an unusual low altitude attack on Tokyo by hundreds of B-29s carrying incendiary bombs. Five such low level missions were scheduled over a ten-day period, and the combined destruction of these missions exceeded that of either of the atomic bomb missions. B-29s were also effectively used to mine Japanese ports and shipping lanes. The Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu heavy fighter, which is depicted attacking the B-29 in Stan Stokes painting, entered production in 1941 following a lengthy four year development. About 1,700 of these aircraft, code named Nick by the allies, were produced. The Ki-45 never proved effective as a long range daylight interceptor. It was, however, used effectively in ground attack and night fighter roles. It was one of only a few Japanese aircraft that had some success against the onslaught of B-29s because it was able to attain the high altitudes necessary to intercept the high-flying Super Fortresses. This print is dedicated to the thousands of B-29 officers and crewmen who hastened the end of the Pacific War. Signed limited edition of 4750 prints. Print size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm) Supplied with signed and numbered certificate of authenticity.. Price £40.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 25 giclee paper prints. Size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). Price £109.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 100 giclee canvas prints. Size 45 inches x 30 inches (114cm x 76cm). Price £624.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 100 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £484.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 100 giclee canvas prints. Size 27 inches x 18 inches (69cm x 46cm). Price £294.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
ITEM CODE STK0093 |
| Mission to Yokohama, Japan, June 1944 by David Pentland. Boeing B29 Superfortresses of the USAAF 40th Bomb Group come under attack from a Kawasaki Ki64 Hein (Tony) of the Japanese Army Airforces 244th Sentai. Signed limited edition of 500 prints. Image size 20 inches x 15 inches (51cm x 38cm) Printed on high quality artist paper board.. Price £95.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £180.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
Sakai / Huglin Presentation edition of 5 prints from the signed limited edition of 500 prints. Image size 20 inches x 15 inches (51cm x 38cm) Printed on high quality artist paper board.. Price £225.00 Features the matted original signatures of
Saburo Sakai (deceased)
and
Brigadier General Henry Huglin (deceased).
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91.5cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 £110 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £590
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 £90 Off Selected Giclee Canvas Prints - Was £460
Original painting by David Pentland. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91.5cm x 61cm). Price £2500.00
Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00 Part of our Buy One, Get One Half Price Offer
ITEM CODE DP0008 |
| By the Dawn's Early Light by Iain Wyllie
B-29 "Bock's Car" 9th August 1945
Mission to Yokahama, Japan, June 1944 by David Pentland
Boeing B29 Superfortresses of the
USAAF 40th Bomb Group come under attack from a Kawasaki Ki64 Hein (Tony)
of the Japanese Army Airforces 244th Sentai.
Pacific Dolls by Stan Stokes.
The B-29 Super Fortress played an important role in
Americas victory in the Pacific during WW II. Capable of carrying a huge
payload over a great range. The B-29 has gained notoriety as the vehicle
to drop the atomic bombs on Japan, but tens of thousands on non-atomic
missions were also flown. These aircraft often carried some of the best
nose art of the War.
Final Assault by Stan Stokes.
The
largest and most powerful bomber of WW II, the Boeing B-29 Super
Fortress, played a major role in bringing about the defeat of Japan. In
addition to accelerating Japans surrender following the bombing of
Hiroshima and Nagasaki with atomic bombs, thousands of B-29 crews flew
tens of thousands of bombing missions against Japan from bases in China,
India, and later in the War from recaptured islands in the Pacific.
B-29s entered service in 1943 following a lengthy, problem-filled,
development process of three years in response to the governments
request for a long range strategic bomber. Only Boeing and Douglas (the
B-32 Dominator) responded to the governments requests, and the B-32 had
even greater development problems than the B-29. Powered by four giant
Wright R-3350-23 radial engines generating a total horsepower of 8,924,
the Super Fortresses typically carried crews of ten. They were capable
of a top speed of 357-MPH, and at slower cruising speeds had a range of
more than 3,200 miles. The B-29 was a large aircraft for its time with a
wingspan in excess of 140 feet and a length of just under 100 feet. The
Super Forts also had pressurized forward and aft hulls, which made the
long distance missions a bit more comfortable for the flight crews.
B-29s typically carried defensive armament which included ten machine
guns and a single tail-mounted canon. Because of the pressurized hull,
the guns were operated by remote control. The first operational B-29
wing was the 58th which flew out of the China-Burma-India
theater. On March 9, 1945 General Curtis LeMay ordered an unusual low
altitude attack on Tokyo by hundreds of B-29s carrying incendiary bombs.
Five such low level missions were scheduled over a ten-day period, and
the combined destruction of these missions exceeded that of either of
the atomic bomb missions. B-29s were also effectively used to mine
Japanese ports and shipping lanes. The Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu heavy
fighter, which is depicted attacking the B-29 in Stan Stokes painting,
entered production in 1941 following a lengthy four year development.
About 1,700 of these aircraft, code named Nick by the allies, were
produced. The Ki-45 never proved effective as a long range daylight
interceptor. It was, however, used effectively in ground attack and
night fighter roles. It was one of only a few Japanese aircraft that had
some success against the onslaught of B-29s because it was able to
attain the high altitudes necessary to intercept the high-flying Super
Fortresses. This print is dedicated to the thousands of B-29 officers
and crewmen who hastened the end of the Pacific War.
|
| Bringing the Peacemaker Home by Robert Taylor
By 1944 the USAAF were despatching bombers deep
into Germany on a grand scale. In June alone no fewer than 28,800 aircraft
were despatched into hostile air space, the scale of operations such that
enabled hitting a dozen or more different targets on a single day.
Even with the benefit of long-range fighter escort, the bomber
formations had to run the gauntlet of the Luftwaffe's fighter defenses as
they approached and departed the target area. With plenty of practice
during the previous 12 months, the German fighter pilots had developed
highly successful techniques of attack against the American four-engined
bombers, and whenever they engaged in numbers, USAAF losses were heavy -
37 bombers failed to return from raids against synthetic oil plants and
aircraft factories at Leipzig on June 29.
On July 20 it was the turn of the 91st Bomb Group to attack an airfield
near Leipzig, suspected of harboring the new menace - the Luftwaffe's
revolutionary Messerschmitt Me262 jet. As the formation spread out for the
bomb run, the 401st squadron took the low position - the most vulnerable
to fighter attack. Just as the crew of The Peacemaker steadied the ship to sight the
target, the squadron was set upon by Focke-Wulf 190s. The formation leader
was set on fire wingtip to wingtip, almost colliding with Peacemaker as
the stricken aircraft slid into the void below. At that moment, cannon
shells ripped into Peacemaker as a Fw190 flashed past within 200 feet, its
guns blazing. Hit in the wing and tail, the bucking B-17 began to slip
below the rest of the formation. She was a long way from home.
Robert Taylor's dramatic portrayal of events picks up the story as the
injured bird limps towards the sanctuary of the English coast. That she
has got this far is a miracle, due in no small part to the close
attentions of escorting P-51B Mustangs of the 361st Fighter Group. To keep her flying, the crew are jettisoning everything that can be
safely bundled out of the aircraft. The front hatch is open and bombardier
Marion Havelaar has reluctantly despatched his 20lb bomb sight to the
ocean below - for him, an act of total sacrilege. The Peacemaker made it
back to Bassingbourne that day; eight others did not.
Valour in the Pacific by Robert Taylor Robert Taylor has painted a magnificent reconstruction of a mission
during the final stages of that momentous conflict. Depicted are B-29s
of the 499th Bomb Group, 73rd Wing of the 20th Air Force. After a
daylight raid on Tokyo, showing all the telltale signs of combat over
the target, a Wing of the world's largest and fastest-ever piston-engined
bombers make their long over-water journey home, still many hours away
at Saipan Island. At the extremity of their range, 'little friends',
very-long-range P-51 Mustang escort fighters, peel off and head for home
- leaving the mighty bombers to fend for themselves |
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