Most Dangerous Game

This painting depicts two Netherlands-based (Deelen) JG 1 Wurgers as they roll in on 8th Air Force B-17F Flying Fortresses as the Forts go feet wet... more

by Wade Meyers

Original - Sold

Price

Not Specified

Dimensions

40.000 x 20.000 inches

Title

Most Dangerous Game

Artist

Wade Meyers

Medium

Painting - Oil On Linen Mounted To Panel

Description

This painting depicts two Netherlands-based (Deelen) JG 1 Wurgers as they roll in on 8th Air Force B-17F Flying Fortresses as the Forts go "feet wet" over the German Bight after an attack on the industrial area of Emden, Germany on 27 September 1943. The featured Fw 190 A-6 is Oblt. Georg Schott in his "Weiss 11". Schott, Staffelkapitan of 1./JG 1 and a 16-victory ace and Condor Legion veteran, was downed by return fire from the bombers on this attack and bailed out. He made it into his dinghy, but search and rescue efforts proved futile. Schott's body, still in his dinghy, washed ashore on the island of Sylt three weeks later on 11 October.

The "checkerboard" nose markings were worn by I./JG 1 machines during 1943 for quick recognition in the air. The "checks" first appeared in the summer, and lasted into late 1943/very early 1944. In early 1944 JG 1 introduced a new "Flying 1" emblem for the noses of their aircraft, and at that time I. Gruppe reintroduced a cowling marking previously worn by their Stab (Headquarters) flight from April to approximately June 1943 - broad horizontal black and white stripes.

As observed by one German fighter pilot, "To go over a group of seventy Flying Fortresses makes you see your whole life in front of you . . ." For the young airmen on both sides who fought in the cold air high over Europe this was indeed the 'Most Dangerous Game.'

Uploaded

January 17th, 2013