From the studio of world renowned artist John Shaw a tribute to the Allied Aircrews of WWII
ALLIES IN ARMS
-Through Troubled Skies -
by John D Shaw
Legendary Wing Leader “Johnnie” Johnson, the highest scoring RAF Ace of WWII, leads the Spitfires of No. 144 (Canadian) Wing during the weeks following D-Day. Having picked up a formation of USAAF B-17s returning from a bombing mission to Germany, the Canadian Wing’s Spitfire Mk IXs stay with the American bombers to fend off attacks from prowling Luftwaffe fighters.
By mid-summer 1944, the skies over Europe had not seen a day or night without battle in several years. During the first phases of World War II, the possibility that Hitler’s Axis forces would prevail seemed great…only the combined efforts of freedom-loving nations cooperating with maximum effort could defeat this spreading evil.
Following D-Day in June ’44, the tide began to turn; Over 130,000 troops from more than eight Allied countries including Britain, the United States, Canada and other Commonwealth nations, landed on Normandy’s beaches in the first 24 hours. These nations combined to drive Nazi forces from France, paving the way to eventual surrender, and their firm alliance in the air was finally beginning to wither Goering’s Luftwaffe. But like a cornered animal, the enemy’s resistance would grow more desperate over the final months.
Around the clock bombing of Germany had begun one year before, from British precision bombers at night, and American B-17s and B-24s by day. Allied fighters played a critical role, not only in the defense of the “Heavies,” but also by waging an effective offense. USAAF and RAF fighters would routinely work together in this incredible effort, the latter of which would be comprised of pilots not only from Great Britain, but also Commonwealth nations including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and others. Not without great cost, the solidarity of these countries and their combined effort ultimately brought an end to the tyranny that threatened the world during history’s greatest conflict.
THE SIGNATURES
The print is individually numbered and personally hand-signed by the artist along with two B-17 veterans and legendary RAF Ace “Johnnie” Johnson:
Air Vice Marshal J.E “JOHNNIE” JOHNSON CB CBE DSO** DFC* – RAF Spitfire Ace who led the Canadian Wing / highest scoring Allied Western Ace with 38 victories
Lieutenant Colonel IRVIN POFF 3 Air Medals – B-17 pilot with 2nd Bomb Group, 15th Air Force / Flew 50 missions
First Lieutenant KEN SHARP 3 Air Medals – B-17 pilot with the 388th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force / Flew 18 daylight Operations
This powerful limited edition is one of only 100 copies that were produced worldwide and is is a great opportunity to acquire a historic collectors item while it's still available.
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Please note: The signatures on our pieces are not reproductions; they are original autographs, hand-signed by the veterans involved.