Open Assault by Robert Taylor
Overall print size: 33" wide x 25 1/4" high Image Size: 26 1/2" wide x 17 5⁄8" high
Approximate matte size: 16 1/4" wide x15 3/4" high.
The Junkers Ju87 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 painting 'Open Assault', shows Hurricanes of 501 Squadron attacking a force of Ju87 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 Bf109s from JG51 race in to protect their lumbering charges. Four Stukas and two Me109s are dispatched, for the loss of just one RAF aircraft.
Prints of this epic encounter have been signed by RAF and Luftwaffe veterans of the Battle of Britain, and Luftwaffe Stuka pilots, providing aviation enthusiasts with a collectors gem.
The Editions & Signatures
THE LIMITED EDITION
Every print in the Limited Edition has been signed by one of the last surviving Luftwaffe Stuka pilots of the war. He is joined by two pilots that flew Hurricanes with 501 Sqn during the Battle of Britain. Each print in every edition is signed by the artist Robert Taylor, and hand-numbered.
- Group Captain BYRON DUCKENFIELD AFC
- Leutnant WILHELM NOLLER
- Wing Commander TONY PICKERING
400 Signed & Numbered prints UKŁ200
THE COLLECTORS EDITION
This SIX signature edition is additionally signed by the following RAF and Luftwaffe Battle of Britain Veterans:
- Squadron Leader DOUGLAS NICHOLLS DFC
- Major ERIC RUDORFFER
- Oberleutnant GUNTHER SEEGER
250 Collectors Edition prints UKŁ250
THE GENERALS EDITION (subject to availability)
Each of these EIGHT signature prints were individually hand signed by General Johannes Steinhoff in England, September 1990, and can now be released under arrangements made at that time with General Steinhoff.
- General JOHANNES STEINHOFF 1913 – 1994
- Generalleutnant GUNTHER RALL
150 Generals Edition UKŁ325