Erich Hartmann Messerschmitt Bf-109G Aviation Art Print by Darryl Legg
The Blonde Knight - Eric Hartmann
The highest scoring fighter ace in history, Erich Hartmann (1922–1993) was credited with 352 aerial victories during the Second World War. Hartmann flew over 1,400 combat missions, primarily on the Eastern Front, and became famed for his disciplined tactics - striking swiftly from advantageous positions rather than engaging in prolonged dogfights. Captured by Soviet forces at the war’s end, Hartmann endured ten years of imprisonment before returning to West Germany in 1955. He later served as a senior officer in the newly formed West German Air Force (Bundesluftwaffe), contributing to its early development before retiring in 1970. Hartmann’s skill as an aerial marksman and tactician is undoubted and it is unlikely his feat will ever be bettered.
In Darryl Legg's Aviation Art Print, Hartmann is seen engaged with P-51 Mustangs of the US 15th Air Force on 3 July 1944. Hartrmann had been engaged by the Mustangs over Romania and the encounter ended with him being chased by 4-8 Mustangs. By this time, he had run out of ammunition and after an extended twisting chase, ran out of fuel. The German pilot was unable to outrun the P51’s and bailed out when he was likely to be shot down
This Fine Art Print Is
- A finely detailed edition printed with archival, lightfast inks
- 285 gsm matt fine art paper.
- The artwork area measures
- Image: 14" x 10.5" (356mm x 264mm)
- Including Borders: 17" x 13.75" (432mm x 350mm)
- Limited to 50 copies.
