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Messerschmitt
Me110. German fighter bomber and night fighter the Messerschmitt Me109 of
the Luftwaffe in aviation art print by Nicholas Trudgian available from
aviationprints.co.uk.
Top Night Fighter by Stan Stokes. Major
Heinz Schnaufer, with 121 victories, was the top-scoring night fighter
ace of all time. He became a Luftwaffe pilot in 1942 and obtained his
first victory in June of that year. By August his victory count had
reached twenty-two and he was put in command of the 9th Staffel of the
IV/BJG1. On the evening of December 16, 1943 Schnaufer downed four RAF
Lancaster 4-engine bombers, and on February 21, 1945 he claimed a total
of nine Lancasters in one evening. He received the highest award which
could be obtained, the Diamonds to the Knights Cross, upon attainment of
his 100th victory. Schnaufer survived the War, but was killed in a
motoring accident in 1950. As depicted by Stan Stokes in his dramatic
painting entitled Top Night Fighter, Schnaufer, who primarily flew the
night fighter version of the Messerschmitt Bf-110 Zerstorer, homes in on
an RAF Lancaster heavy bomber. The Bf-110 grew out of Herman Gorings
specifications for a multipurpose aircraft capable of penetrating deep
into enemy airspace to clear the sky of enemy fighters in advance of
German bomber formations. The aircraft would also be utilized as a long
range interceptor, and as a ground support and ground attack bomber. The
Bf-110 prototype first flew in 1936. The prototype was under powered
with its Daimier Benz DB 600A engines. Several months passed before a go
ahead was given for large scale production which commenced in 1938.
Utilizing
improved DB 601 engines, the early production 110s were as fast
as any single engine fighter at that time, and had superior fire power.
Their biggest apparent weakness was in the areas of armor protection for
the crew, and in terms of maneuverability when compared to single seat
fighters. The 110 was produced in large numbers and in many different
variants. The 110D was the long range model. An additional belly tank
was fitted to that aircraft, with several later variants having the more
traditional drop tanks. The first serious test for the Bf-110 came
during the Battle of Britain. About 300 Bf-110s were involved. They
became easy prey for Hurricane and Spitfire pilots, and Bf-109s were
often required to assist the 110s in their own defense. On August 15,
1940, which became known as Black Tuesday, the Bf-110s were ravaged by
the RAF, and for the month over 100 aircraft were lost. On the Eastern
Front the Bf-110 performed admirably in the early stages of Operation
Barbarossa. With the Soviet Air Force weakened in the first several
weeks of the attack, 110s were effectively utilized in a ground attack
role. Ultimately, the Luftwaffe re-equipped a significant number of its
110s as night fighters. The aircraft performed well in this role because
it was a good gun platform with sufficient speed to overtake the RAF
night bombers. Such night missions were typically carried out with no
Allied fighter escort, so the 110 night fighters would not have to
engage or elude Allied fighters in this role.
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| Into The Cloak of Darkness by Nicolas Trudgian A Heinkel 219 and a Messerschmitt 110 of NJG-1 climbing out from their base a Munster Hansdorf, as they set out on a deadly mission. Ten aircraft took off to intercept a major raid on Dusseldorf, the night witnessing a fierce battle high above the darkened city. NJG-1 crews assisted with the downing of 19 RAF bombers, one Luftwaffe pilot being credited with no fewer than 6 victories that night. Below them the spectacular Ruhr Valley is vibrant in its mantle of winters first snowfall on the night of November 2, 1944 Limited edition of 650 prints. Paper size 24 inches x 35 inches (61cm x 89cm). Price £135.00 Signed by Major Gunther Bahr, Leutnant Otto Fries and Oberfeldwebel Alfred Staffa, in addition to the artist.
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 23 inches x 35 inches (61cm x 89cm). Price £190.00 Signed by Major Gunther Bahr, Leutnant Otto Fries and Oberfeldwebel Alfred Staffa, in addition to the artist.
Artist signed edition of 60 prints. Paper size 24 inches x 35 inches (61cm x 89cm) . Price £105.00
Limited edition of publishers proofs. Image size 23 inches x 35 inches (61cm x 89cm). Price £180.00 Signed by Major Gunther Bahr, Leutnant Otto Fries and Oberfeldwebel Alfred Staffa, in addition to the artist. ITEM CODE DHM2055 |
| Duel in the Dark by Robert Taylor. The air war fought throughout World War II in the night skies above Europe raged six long years. RAF Hurricanes sent up to intercept the Luftwaffes nightly blitz on British cities had no more equipment than the fighters that fought the Battle of Britain during the day, but as the scale of nightly conflict developed, detection and navigation aids - primitive by todays standards - were at the cutting edge of World War II aviation technology. As the air war progressed the intensity of the RAFs nightly raids grew to epic proportions, and the Luftwaffe night-fighters became a critical last line of defence as their cities were pounded from above. By 1944 the Luftwaffe was operating sophisticated systems coordinating radar, searchlights and flak batteries, enabling effective guidance to increasingly wily aircrews flying equipment-laden aircraft. But the RAF had in turn developed their own detection equipment, and the nightly aerial contests between fighters and bombers were desperate affairs. Night-fighter pilots were men of special calibre, requiring a blend of all the best piloting and navigational qualities combined with patience, determination, and no small element of cunning. They were hunters in the purest sense, constantly honing their skills, and pitting their wits against a formidable foe. The young aircrews of the Luftwaffe fought a brave but losing battle in defence of their homeland, but their dedication never faltered, and their bravery is legend. Robert Taylor pays tribute to this courageous and skilled group of flyers with his new painting Duel in the Dark. It is August 1944. As Lancaster heavy bombers of 106 Squadron approach the target, Major Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer, Kommandeur of IV./ NJG1 and the Luftwaffes top-scoring night- fighter pilot, makes a daring attack passing feet below the mighty four-engine aircraft. Flying his Me110 night-fighter among the flak and searchlights he has scored hits on the bombers outer starboard engine. While his gunner fiercely returns fire from the bombers front turret gunner, the night-fighter Ace will slip into the shadows before selecting another quarry. His nights work is not yet done. Signed limited edition of 350 prints, Knights Cross Edition. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £200.00 Signed by Oberst Wolfgang Falck, Major Werner Hoffmann, Major Paul Zorner, Oberfeldwebel Gunther Bahr and Leutnant Fritz Rumpelhardt.
Limited edition of 25 artist proofs. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £395.00 Signed by Oberst Wolfgang Falck, Major Werner Hoffmann, Major Paul Zorner, Oberfeldwebel Gunther Bahr, Leutnant Fritz Rumpelhardt and Hauptmann Peter Spoden.
Trilogy Proof signed limited edition of 100 prints. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £ Signed by Oberst Wolfgang Falck, Major Werner Hoffmann, Major Paul Zorner, Oberfeldwebel Gunther Bahr, Leutnant Fritz Rumpelhardt, Hauptmann Peter Spoden and Major Martin Drewes.
Limited edition of 25 remarques. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £ Signed by Oberst Wolfgang Falck, Major Werner Hoffmann, Major Paul Zorner, Oberfeldwebel Gunther Bahr, Leutnant Fritz Rumpelhardt and Hauptmann Peter Spoden.
Night-Fighter Edition of 250 prints. Image size 26 inches x 17 inches (66cm x 43cm). Price £275.00 Signed by Oberst Wolfgang Falck, Major Werner Hoffmann, Major Paul Zorner, Oberfeldwebel Gunther Bahr, Leutnant Fritz Rumpelhardt and Hauptmann Peter Spoden.
Robert Taylor Promotional Flyer. A4 Size Double Sheet 11.5 inches x 8 inches (30m x 21cm). Price £1.50 ITEM CODE DHM2218 |
| Operation Mercury by Nicolas Trudgian. Slow, frail, out-dated and hopelessly outnumbered, Gladiator biplanes of 112 Squadron RAF tenaciously throw themselves into the fray, attacking Luftwaffe fighter-bombers in the battle for Crete, in April 1941. This painting shows Me110Cs of II./ZG76, having attacked naval units off the coast of Crete in early May 1941, being bravely intercepted by two Gladiators of 112 Squadron. Heavily outnumbered, the best the RAF pilots can hope for is to disrupt the Luftwaffe formation. And this they continued to do until, literally, they had no more aircraft left! Signed limited edition of 285 prints. Image size 24 inches x 16 inches (61cm x 41cm). Price £85.00 Signed by Leutnant Otto Fries and Hauptmann Peter Spoden.
Special Edition Artists Proof. Limited edition of 30 artist proofs. Image size 24 inches x 16 inches (61cm x 41cm). Price £135.00 Signed by Leutnant Otto Fries, Hauptmann Peter Spoden and Leutnant Karl-Ludwig Johanssen.
Special Edition. Signed limited edition of 425 prints. Image size 24 inches x 16 inches (61cm x 41cm). Price £95.00 Signed by Leutnant Otto Fries, Hauptmann Peter Spoden and Leutnant Karl-Ludwig Johanssen. ITEM CODE DHM2615 |
| Opening Gambit, Poland, 2nd September 1939 by David Pentland. Porucznik Stanislaw Skalski of 142nd Eskrada, flying a Polish airforce PZL P-11c, downs a Messerschmitt 110 during the first days of WWII. Although officially credited as a Dornier bomber, it is now believed that the aircraft was an Me110 from 1/ZG1. The discrepancy is attributed to the fact that the reported aircraft used nose mounted cannons unlike the Dornier, and up until then the 110 was a well kept secret. Signed limited edition of 500 prints. Image size 20 inches x 16 inches (51cm x 41cm) Printed on high quality artist paper board.. Price £95.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 20 inches x 16 inches (51cm x 41cm). Price £120.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 20 inches x 16 inches (51cm x 41cm). Price £250.00
Original painting by David Pentland. Image size 20 inches x 16 inches (51cm x 41cm). Price £1700.00 ITEM CODE DP0017 |
| Night Ghost of St Trond by Iain Wyllie.
Open edition print. Image size 16.5 inches x 11.5 inches (42cm x 29cm). Price £14.00 ITEM CODE IW0009 |
| Night Hunters of the Reich by Nicolas Trudgian. The German High Command entered World War II with the notion that the war would be quickly won, and certainly without the need to fight at night. The RAF changed all that when Bomber Command, having suffered appalling losses in daylight, turned to attacking under the cloak of darkness. By mid-1940 the Luftwaffe was forced to hurriedly form its first night fighter wing utilising the Messerschmitt Bf110. Without specialised equipment, initially Luftwaffe pilots relied on visual acquisition, detecting enemy aircraft with the aid of searchlights. To combat intensifying RAF night attacks, new electronic methods of navigation and detection were developed, and by the end on 1942 the German night fighter force had almost 400 aircraft contesting the night skies. Almost 1300 British aircraft were destroyed in that year alone.The Bf110G-4 of 47-night victory pilot Oberleutnant Martin Drewes at dusk in March 1944, heading out to intercept in-bound British four-engined bombers over north west Germany. Equipped with the latest FuG220 and 218 radars, the experienced crew will lie in wait, carefully choose their prey, stalk and close for the kill. The deadly game of hide and seek is about to begin. Signed limited edition of 450 prints. Paper size 24 inches x 19 inches (61cm x 48cm). Price £115.00 Signed by Oberst Wolfgang Falck, in addition to the artist.
Limited edition of artist proofs. Paper size 24 inches x 19 inches (61cm x 48cm). Price £160.00 Signed by Oberst Wolfgang Falck, in addition to the artist.
Limited edition of publishers proofs. Paper size 24 inches x 19 inches (61cm x 48cm). Price £155.00 Signed by Oberst Wolfgang Falck, in addition to the artist.
Nicolas Trudgian Promotional Flyer. A4 Size Double Sheet 11.5 inches x 8 inches (30m x 21cm) . Price £1.50 ITEM CODE NT0321 |
| Top Night Fighter by Stan Stokes. Major Heinz Schnaufer, with 121 victories, was the top-scoring night fighter ace of all time. He became a Luftwaffe pilot in 1942 and obtained his first victory in June of that year. By August his victory count had reached twenty-two and he was put in command of the 9th Staffel of the IV/BJG1. On the evening of December 16, 1943 Schnaufer downed four RAF Lancaster 4-engine bombers, and on February 21, 1945 he claimed a total of nine Lancasters in one evening. He received the highest award which could be obtained, the Diamonds to the Knights Cross, upon attainment of his 100th victory. Schnaufer survived the War, but was killed in a motoring accident in 1950. As depicted by Stan Stokes in his dramatic painting entitled Top Night Fighter, Schnaufer, who primarily flew the night fighter version of the Messerschmitt Bf-110 Zerstorer, homes in on an RAF Lancaster heavy bomber. The Bf-110 grew out of Herman Gorings specifications for a multipurpose aircraft capable of penetrating deep into enemy airspace to clear the sky of enemy fighters in advance of German bomber formations. The aircraft would also be utilized as a long range interceptor, and as a ground support and ground attack bomber. The Bf-110 prototype first flew in 1936. The prototype was under powered with its Daimier Benz DB 600A engines. Several months passed before a go ahead was given for large scale production which commenced in 1938. Utilizing improved DB 601 engines, the early production 110s were as fast as any single engine fighter at that time, and had superior fire power. Their biggest apparent weakness was in the areas of armor protection for the crew, and in terms of maneuverability when compared to single seat fighters. The 110 was produced in large numbers and in many different variants. The 110D was the long range model. An additional belly tank was fitted to that aircraft, with several later variants having the more traditional drop tanks. The first serious test for the Bf-110 came during the Battle of Britain. About 300 Bf-110s were involved. They became easy prey for Hurricane and Spitfire pilots, and Bf-109s were often required to assist the 110s in their own defense. On August 15, 1940, which became known as Black Tuesday, the Bf-110s were ravaged by the RAF, and for the month over 100 aircraft were lost. On the Eastern Front the Bf-110 performed admirably in the early stages of Operation Barbarossa. With the Soviet Air Force weakened in the first several weeks of the attack, 110s were effectively utilized in a ground attack role. Ultimately, the Luftwaffe re-equipped a significant number of its 110s as night fighters. The aircraft performed well in this role because it was a good gun platform with sufficient speed to overtake the RAF night bombers. Such night missions were typically carried out with no Allied fighter escort, so the 110 night fighters would not have to engage or elude Allied fighters in this role. 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 £37.00
Signed limited edition of 225 prints. Size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm). Price £94.00 Signed by Oberstleutnant Hans-Joachim Jabs.
Limited edition of 100 giclee paper prints. Size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). Price £109.00
Limited edition of 100 giclee canvas prints. Size 45 inches x 30 inches (114cm x 76cm). Price £624.00
Limited edition of 100 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £484.00
Limited edition of 100 giclee canvas prints. Size 27 inches x 18 inches (69cm x 46cm). Price £294.00 ITEM CODE STK0124 |
| Duel in the Dark by Robert Taylor
The air war fought throughout World War II in the night skies above
Europe raged six long years. RAF Hurricanes sent up to intercept the
Luftwaffe's nightly blitz on British cities had no more equipment than the
fighters that fought the Battle of Britain during the day, but as the
scale of nightly conflict developed, detection and navigation aids -
primitive by today's standards - were at the cutting edge of World War II
aviation technology.
As the air war progressed the intensity of the RAF's nightly raids grew
to epic proportions, and the Luftwaffe night-fighters became a critical
last line of defence as their cities were pounded from above. By
1944 the Luftwaffe was operating sophisticated systems coordinating radar,
searchlights and flak batteries, enabling effective guidance to
increasingly wily aircrews flying equipment-laden aircraft. But the
RAF had in turn developed their own detection equipment, and the nightly
aerial contests between fighters and bombers were desperate affairs.
Night-fighter pilots were men of special calibre, requiring a blend of
all the best piloting and navigational qualities combined with patience,
determination, and no small element of cunning. They were hunters in
the purest sense, constantly honing their skills and pitting their wits
wits against a formidable foe. The young aircrews of the Luftwaffe
fought a brave but losing battle in defence of their homeland, but their
dedication never faltered, and their bravery is legend. |
|
Night Hunters of the Reich by Nicholas Trudgian
The German High Command entered World War II with the notion that the
war would be quickly won, and certainly without the need to fight at
night. The RAF changed all that when Bomber Command, having suffered
appalling losses in daylight, turned to attacking under the cloak of
darkness. By mid 1940 the Luftwaffe was forced to hurriedly form its
first night fighter wing utilising the Messerschmitt Bf110.
Without specialised equipment, initially Luftwaffe pilots relied on
visual acquisition, detecting enemy aircraft with the aid of
searchlights. To combat intensifying RAF night attacks, new
electronic mthods of navigation and detection were developed, and by the
end of 1942 the German night fighter force had almost 400 aircraft
contesting the night skies. Almost 1300 British aircraft were
destroyed in that year alone.
One-Tens Over Kent by Nicholas Trudgian Messerschmitt Me110's and 109's
of the Luftwaffe's 210 Gruppe based at Calais-Marck in northern France,
make a low-level run across the Kent countryside after a surprise attack
on R.A.F. Biggin Hill, August 30, 1940 |
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