Prints :: Limited Editions :: The Hunters
The Hunters - Limited Edition print
Major Helmut Wick and Oberleutnant Rudi Pflanz lead a Schwarm of Bf109Es from Jagdgeschwader 2 'Richthofen' on a mission over the Isle of Wight during the summer of 1940.
A very special print, signed by four Luftwaffe Knight's Cross recipients.
About the scene:
Helmut Wick joined the Luftwaffe in 1935 at the age of twenty. He was posted to Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen" just before war broke out and scored his first aerial victory in November 1939. This was followed by a further twelve confirmed and two unconfirmed during the French campaign. His success continued into the Battle of Britain, reaching his 22nd victory on 26th August 1940, for which he was awarded the Knight's Cross.
On 5th October 1940, Wick shot down five RAF fighters in a single day. This achievement earned him the Oak Leaves Cluster for his Knight's Cross. Only two other pilots achieved this distinction during the battle - Werner Molders and Adolf Galland. On 20th October, Wick was promoted to Major (the youngest in the Luftwaffe), and given command of the now famous JG2.
On 28th November, Wick reached 55 victories. This briefly made him the world's most successful fighter ace. Later that same day his unit became involved in combat over the Isle of Wight. Wick shot down yet another Spitfire but was then attacked by Flight Lieutenant John Dundas of No.609 Squadron. His Bf109 severely damaged, Wick was forced to bale out over the English Channel. His body was never found. His attacker, John Dundas was immediately shot down and killed by Wick's wingman, Rudi Pflanz. (See also Battle above the Clouds)
Pflanz was also to become a decorated ace, receiving the Knight's Cross in August 1941. Before his death in July 1942, he was credited with shooting down 52 aircraft. 45 of these were Spitfires.
See also: Major Helmut Wick (Individuals)
Each print hand-signed by:
- Hauptmann Fritz Karch, Knight's Cross
- Oberleutnant Günther Seeger, Knight's Cross
- Major Julius Meimberg, Knight's Cross
- Hauptmann Bruno Stolle, Knight's Cross
About the signatories:
Fritz Karch joined 6/JG2 on the English Channel front in September 1942. He shot down his first plane, a Spitfire, in November 1942 in North Africa. He was awarded the Knights Cross in 1945, as commander of II/JG2. By the end of the war he had flown around 270 missions, and scored 47 victories. 21 of these were heavy bombers.
Günther Seeger joined 3/JG2 in 1940. In 1941 he was assigned to the Stabsschwarm where he flew with his comrades Balthazar, Oesau, Pflanz and Leie. By the end of the war he had flown 504 missions with 56 victories, all on the Western Front. He was awarded the Knight's Cross in 1944.
Julius Meimberg joined II/JG2 in 1939, becoming Staffelkapitän in August 1942. As well as France, he served in North Africa and on the Home Front against Allied bombers. In all, he flew around 250 missions, scoring 53 victories. He was awarded the Knight's Cross in 1944.
Bruno Stolle flew with 8/JG2 during the Battle of Britain. He became Staffelkapitän the same year and was promoted to commander of III/JG2 in 1943. The following year he was appointed commander of Erprobungskommando Ta 152 at Rechlin. In all he flew 271 missions and scored 35 victories, all on the Western Front. He was awarded the Knight's Cross in March 1943.
Ref: LE3
Limited Edition of 200
Image Size: 527mm x 349mm
Overall Size: 628mm x 495mm
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity
This print is not currently available, but you may find it on our Ebay Shop
