Typhoons Over The Rhine by Nicolas Trudgian

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Typhoons Over The Rhine

Nicolas Trudgian

Flying low-level at high speed through intense ground fire was all part of the daily task for pilots of the Typhoon ground attack squadrons. Armed with rockets, 1000lb. Bombs, and four 20mm cannon, this formidable fighter played a leading role in the Allied advance through occupied Europe. Leading up to, and following the Normandy landings through to the end of hostilities, the Typhoon, flown by determined hard-hitting pilots, became the scourge of the German Panzer Divisions, and wrought havoc with enemy road and rail communications.

Targets along the river Rhine, one of Germany's major arteries of supply and communication, and last line of defense, were given special attention by the Typhoon squadrons. Barges carrying vital supplies, munitions trains on the railroads hugging the riverbank, and the ever-present movement of troops and armor toward the battlefront, were constantly attacked from the air, and one such scene is vividly portrayed in Nicolas Trudgian's painting Typhoons Over The Rhine.

Led by Squadron Leader B. G. 'Stapme' Stapleton, Mk1B Typhoons of 247 Squadron, 2nd Tactical Air Force, based at Eindhoven in Holland, make a low-level attack on enemy river transport on the Rhine in November 1944. Twisting and turning to avoid ground fires as best they can, the Typhoon pilots power their way through the valley with cannons blazing, pressing home their attack by strafing every German military target in their path. The supply cargo aboard the freight train is unlikely to reach its destination today!

An emotive action painting by one of the world's most popular aviation artists. With prints individually signed by pilots who distinguished themselves flying Hawker Typhoon in combat in World War Two, the edition will become much sought after by aviation art collectors.

Overall print size: 32 3/4" wide x 23 1/2" high.

Image size: 26 1/4" wide x 16" high.

A spectacular collector print by Nicolas Trudgian featuring the most successful ground attack fighter of World War Two, in a scene that typifies the role of this outstandingly rugged aircraft.

Typhoons Over The Rhine by Nicolas Trudgian
500 s/n prints w/TWO signatures.	SOLD OUT
25 Artist's Proofs w/THREE signatures.	US $250

A superb color edition print issued FREE with every copy of TYPHOONS OVER THE RHINE, beautifully complimenting Nicolas Trudgian's tribute to the pilots who flew this remarkable ground attack fighter in World War Two.

Typhoon Country

Overall print size: 17 3/4" wide x 13 1/2" high.

Flight Lieutenant Roy Crane, flying a Typhoon of 181 Squadron from their recently established base in Normandy, makes an attack on a German road convoy in the Falaise area, early August 1944. The Typhoons ground attack fighters played a major role in defeating the German armored divisions in the battle of Falaise Gap. Every print is signed by pilot Roy Crane.

Joining artist Nicolas Trudgian, each print of TYPHOONS OVER THE RHINE is authenticated with the signatures of two highly decorated Typhoon pilots from World War II.

Air Commodore C. D. 'Kit' North-Lewis DSO DFC
After joining the Army in 1939, 'Kit' North-Lewis transferred to the RAF in 1940. In August 1941, after pilot training, he was posted to 13 Squadron, flying Blenheims, where he took part in the first 1000 bomber raids. After a spell with 26 Squadron, flying P-51 Mustangs, in February 1944 he joined 182 Squadron on Typhoons, as a Flight Commander. A few months later he was posted to command 181 Squadron. He led this squadron into France where it became part of 124 Typhoon Wing. In August 1944 he was promoted Wing Leader 124 Wing, where he remained until the end of the war.

Squadron Leader Basil 'Stapme' Stapleton DFC
'Stapme' Stapleton joined the RAF in 1939 and was with 603 Squadron flying Spitfires at the outbreak of war. He flew with this squadron during the Battle of Britain, and by November 1940 his tally had risen to 6 and 2-shared victories. In early 1942 he volunteered to fly Hurricanes for the Merchant Ship Fighter Unit on Atlantic convoys. In March he was posted to join 257 Squadron as a Flight Commander, flying Typhoons. In August 1944 he was given command of 247 Squadron, again on Typhoons, and took part in operations around Arnhem. In December 1944, whilst attacking a train, debris hit his aircraft forcing him to land behind enemy lines, where he was taken prisoner of war.

In addition, the Artist's Proofs and Remarque Editions are also signed by:

Flight Lieutenant Basil 'Tatters' Tatham
'Tatters' Tatham first flew Hurricanes with 79 Squadron, and then in 1941 on Atlantic convoys with the MSFU before being torpedoed. In May 1942 he was posted to 257 Squadron on Hurricane nightfighters, before joining 247 Squadron on Typhoons. After a brief rest period instructing, he rejoined 247 Squadron the day before D-Day, and spent the following months destroying German tanks and other ground targets.

Companion print TYPHOON COUNTRY is signed by:

Flight Lieutenant Roy Crane
Roy Crane joined 182 Typhoon Squadron, 124 Wing, in August 1943 taking part in operations against airfields, V1 sites and power stations in France. In April 1944 he was posted to 181 Squadron, continuing attacks on ground targets in the build up to D-Day. On 6 June he attacked a Panzer Division south of Caen, and in the following weeks continued unrelenting strikes in the area. On 2 August, whilst attacking tanks near Falaise, Roy was hit by flak, bailed out and landed in a Waffen SS camp. He was taken prisoner of war, having completed 71 operations.