Fw 190
A Test Of Courage by Ferris
A Test of Courage captures a pulse-pounding moment in the World War II air. "The painting shows Lt. Klaus Bretschneider in his FW-190 'Rauhbautz VII' face to face with the tail gunner of a mortally wounded 8-17G-50DL," Ferris explains. "In its struggle to blunt the Allies' effective attacks on its communications and production of petroleum and weapons, the Luftwaffe created a special bomber-destroying unit made up of heavily armed and armored fighters. On 15 August 1944, the 358th Squadron, 303rd Bomb Group based at Molesworth, England, became the object of this unit's attention on the return flight from its target-the Luftwaffe airfield at Weisbaden, Germany."
The results were tragic. "The battle was over in several minutes. The Luftwaffe's tactics were successful that day, for the special unit was able to inflict heavy losses on the B-17's while losing only three FW-190's, with extensive damage to four more. This conflict between high-flying daylight bombers and the specialized 'Sturmgruppen' was sudden, violent, and costly to both sides. It took courage, determination, and skill on the part of both bomber crews and attacking fighters to face this prospect day after day."
Ferris honors all the brave men who fight for their countries with this thrilling print - his first in two years. This work displays the care and attention to detail that he's famous for. He makes it clear that these airmen have all passed A Test of Courage.
This print includes information printed below the image, detailing each aircraft in this fateful battle - including the plane's serial number, squadron letter, aircraft name, aircraft mission number, and the crew's mission number.
Print size: 35"w X 18 ¾"h
Limited edition of: 850 signed and numbered by the artist
