Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely framed print of Robert Taylor’s painting MOST MEMORABLE DAY, matted and put into a museum grade frame measuring 38″ x 30″. This is number 896/1000 of a run of these prints made for collectors, and will make a fantastic display piece on any wall. The painting is set in June 1941 over Northern France, showing the German Messerschmitt Me109 fighters of Jagdgeschwader 26 led by Adolf Galland intercepting Royal Air Force Blenheim Bombers escorted by Spitfires. Galland would shoot down two Blenheims as part of this action, however he ended up being forced to crash land his plane near Calais.
Later on the same day, he took off alone, shooting down a Spitfire escorting other Blenheim bombers, and took damage from another Spitfire, which sent splinters into his head and arms. He was forced to bail out of his burning Me109, landing by parachute, after which he was treated for his injuries.
This is described in the paragraph below the framed print, which reads:
MOST MEMORABLE DAY
by
Robert Taylor
Adolf Galland and his wingman Bruno Hegenauer break through the fighter escort of 303 Squadron’s Spitfires to attack Blenheim bombers of 21 Squadron over northern France, 21 June 1941. In two missions that day Galland claimed two Blenheims and one Spitfire, survived a forced crash-landing, and later a parachute escape from his blazing Me 109. That evening he learned he was to become the first recipient of the Knight’s Cross with Oakleaves and Swords – Germany’s highest award for heroism.
Additionally, the print is signed by artist Robert Taylor on the far left, with the following signatures of FOUR flying aces from Jagdgeschwader 26:
– Adolf Galland
– Johannes Naumann
– Gerhard Schöpfel
– Otto Stamberger
A great display item ready for further research and display!