Original Item. Only One Available. This is an impressive framed limited edition print of Robert Taylor’s “Eagle Attack,” numbered 300 of 1250 and signed beneath the image by Four Battle of Britain Luftwaffe Aces. The large frame measures approximately 30 3/4” x 40 3/4”, and the print remains clear and in excellent overall condition.

The edition was published in 1990 as part of Robert Taylor’s Battle of Britain Trilogy commemorating the 50th anniversary of the campaign. The other two prints in the series were “Hurricane Force” and “Summer Victory.”

ADLERTAG (EAGLE DAY) - that was AH’s code name for the start of the Luftwaffe's great and decisive aerial offensive that was intended to bring the RAF to its knees, clear the skies of Spitfires and Hurricanes above the South Coast of England and prepare the way for the 250,000 German troops standing in readiness to cross the Channel. Like fighter pilots of any air force, the Me109 Geschwaders of the Luftwaffe were made up almost entirely of young men who simply wanted to fly. Primed and ready, these combat-experienced pilots were eager for battle. The disadvantage of fighting at the extremity of their range - often allowing them no more than 10 minutes of actual combat - was balanced by well tried battle tactics, great leadership and undisputed courage. Aldertag saw twelve hours of almost continuous battle, and the uniquely talented aviation artist Robert Taylor takes up the story on this momentous 13th August 1940 when the Luftwaffe staged their most concentrated attacks. A swarm of Me109's peel off to attack a bunch of Spitfires which have dived out of the sun upon a large formation of HE 111 bombers. Already the lead pair of Me109s are bringing their guns to bear and moments later the two pilots in the foreground will flick-roll their fighters and follow into attack.

The print is individually signed by the artist and the following Luftwaffe Aces who fought during the Battle of Britain:

ADOLF GALLAND
Galland was one of the best-known German fighter pilots of WWII and became a prominent commander during the Battle of Britain. He commanded III./Jagdgeschwader 26 during the campaign and subsequently became Geschwaderkommodore of JG 26.
He was ultimately awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds.

GÜNTHER RALL
Rall served with Jagdgeschwader 52 during the Battle of Britain and later became one of the highest-scoring fighter pilots of WWII.
He was ultimately awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.
After the war, Rall served in the West German Luftwaffe and eventually attained the rank of Generalleutnant.

DIETRICH “DIETER” HRABAK
Hrabak served with Jagdgeschwader 54 during the Battle of Britain and became commander of II./JG 54 during the campaign.
He was ultimately awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves.
Hrabak later served in the postwar West German Luftwaffe and attained the rank of Generalmajor.

WALTER KRUPINSKI
Krupinski entered the JG 52 training organization during the latter portion of 1940 and subsequently became one of the Luftwaffe’s most experienced fighter pilots.
He was ultimately awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves.
After WWII, Krupinski also served in the West German Luftwaffe and ultimately attained the rank of Generalleutnant.

The print has been professionally framed and presented clearly behind glazing. The frame is well assembled and suitable for immediate wall display. The print measures 30¾ x 40¾” and is in excellent condition, one of the larger framed prints we have offered.

The combination of Robert Taylor’s large-format Battle of Britain composition, low individual edition number 300/1250, the artist’s signature, and the signatures of Galland, Rall, Hrabak, and Krupinski gives this example particular interest to collectors of aviation art and signed WWII veteran material. Its connection to Taylor’s 1990 Battle of Britain Trilogy further places it within one of his better-known commemorative aviation print series.