STORM FORCE

No 12 Knights Cross Collection

Above the dazzling white Alps on the 18th July 1944 a large formation of B-17G's 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 14 B-17 Bombers were shot down in a devastating attack that lasted only fifteen minutes.

In this powerful painting Nick Trudgian portrays the Luftwaffe's premier 'Sturm' Unit - IV.(Sturm)/JG3 'Udet', which served throughout the 'Defence of the Reich' and the Ardennes offensive. A number of the Unit's pilots won the Knights 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 the difficulty in shooting down the strong and heavily armoured US heavy 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.

The Main 'Sturmbocke' Edition is limited to only 165 worldwide and is signed by NINE Knights Cross Fighter Pilots:-

Gunther RALL - KCOS

Erich RUDORFFER - KCOS

Gunther SEEGER - KC

Adolf DICKFELD - KCO

Hugo BROCH - KC

Edmund ROSSMANN - KC

Hans-Ekkehard BOB - KC

Hermann NEUHOFF - KC

Otto SCHULTZ - KC

The REMARQUE EDition is limited to only 10 Worldwide.

Please contact me via maue12@virginmedia.com for availability