CLASH OVER BRAMSCHE
by Richard Taylor
Skilfully thwarting the determined efforts of P-51 escort fighters, Major Walter Nowotny, flying his Me262 A-1A ‘White 8’, successfully attacks a B-24 Liberator from the USAAF 392nd Bomb Group high over the town of Bramsche, Lower Saxony, 7 October 1944.
With at least 255 victories to his credit on the Eastern Front, Major Walter ‘Nowi’ Nowotny had deservedly received the highest of accolades culminating in October 1943 when he was awarded the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds for becoming the first pilot ever to notch up 250 victories. Fearing that his loss in action would damage morale, Nowotny was ordered to stand down from combat flying.
Nevertheless , with the Luftwaffe increasingly stretched and desperate for skilled pilots, in September 1944 he was posted back to front-line action; this time commanding a specialist trials unit, ‘Kommando Nowotny’, equipped with Messerschmitt’s radical new jet – the Me262. Based near Osnabruck in Lower Saxony, Nowotny’s task was simple but vital: to test, develop and adapt tactics best suited to the new fighter.
It didn’t take long for his experience to pay off. On 7 October his unit intercepted a formation of B-24 Liberators engaged on a raid attacking Kassel. In a scene dramatically recreated by artist Richard Taylor, Nowotny has taken full advantage of his jet’s high speed to swoop through the escorting P-51s in the skies high above the town of Bramsche to successfully attack a B-24 from the 392nd Bomb Group. It was his 256th victory.
Tragedy, however, soon followed. On Thursday 8 November 1944, after further victories over a P-51 and another B-24, his engine is believed to have caught fire. Whilst returning to base at Achmer he crashed and was killed. With 258 victories to his credit he was still only 23.
In tribute to all those who flew the revolutionary Me262, Richard’s powerful painting has been faithfully reproduced as a Limited Edition print.
The Limited Edition
Each print is exclusively hand-numbered and personally signed by the artist, Richard Taylor.
The Matted Collector’s Edition & Artist Proofs
Adding considerable historic significance, each copy in these highly-restricted editions is issued mounted to full conservation standards to include the original and authentic autographs of SIX highly-regarded Luftwaffe pilots who flew Me262s in combat during WWII:
- Leutnant Alfred Ambs
- Major Hans-Ekkehard Bob KC
- Feldwebel Ernst Giefing IC
- Major Erich Rudorffer KC with Oak Leaves and Swords
- General Johannes 'Macky' Steinhoff KC with Oak Leaves and Swords
- Generalleutnant Adolf Galland KC with Oak Leaves Swords and Diamonds
The Matted Remarques
Regarded as one of the most gifted exponents of pencil work in the industry, Richard Taylor will hand-craft an original drawing in the lower margin of each print. If you have any particular request, such as specific aircraft markings, please ask when placing your order and we will do our best to accommodate.
The Matted Double Remarques
Restricted to only TEN copies worldwide, each print in this edition is further enhanced with a unique, individually created double-size pencil drawing, once again finished in the graphite and paint combination that has gained Richard such high international acclaim.
The Matted Special Remarques
For the first time, we’re delighted to offer even larger ‘Special’ Remarques in the lower margin of the print, equating to 5-6 Remarques.
The examples shown are ‘Double’ and ‘Special’ Remarques.
Exclusive to Aces High…
Upgrade your copy to create a completely unique one-off Collector’s Piece – contact us today!
Over many years we’ve been fortunate to know a number of Luftwaffe veterans and have also managed to source some extremely RARE original wartime autographs that would be perfect for including in the conservation matting.
These include names such as:
- Major Walter Nowotny
- Oberleutnant Walter Schuck KC with Oak Leaves
- Oberst Johannes Naumann KC
- Oberstleutnant Hansgeorg Batcher Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves
- Media:
- Lithograph
- Size:
- 21.5 x 14.25 inches
- Release Date:
- 9/2023
Editions that feature original and unique artwork, such as Remarque, Tribute and matted editions, are specifically hand-crafted to order. As a result, our normal delivery policies do not apply to these items but we’ll be sure to update you as soon as your drawing is complete. If you have any particular request for your remarque drawing – such as specific aircraft markings – please ask when placing your order and we will do our best to accommodate.
Framing Service available on this item
Interested in having this item framed? Our expert team are on hand to review your bespoke requirements. Simply tick the framing box at the checkout and we’ll contact you to discuss the best framing choices for your piece plus delivery options. For further information about our framing service click here.
Other Works by Richard Taylor
