Victory Over Gold - Over The Normandy Beaches

by Nicolas Trudgian

Frustrated by the absence of Luftwaffe aircraft over the Normandy beaches on D-Day, Allied fighter pilots were spoiling for a fight. When a dozen JU88s appeared over Gold Beach on the following morning, June 7, 1944, the patrolling Spitfires of 401 Squadron wasted no time in getting into the fray.
 
At just after 0800 hours twelve Junkers JU88s appeared out of the 2000ft cloud base, intent on making a diving attack on the heavily populated beachhead. Wheeling their Spitfires into the on-coming attack, Squadron Leader Cameron, C.O. of 401 Sqn, called his pilots to pick their own targets, and all hell broke loose. In the ensuing dogfight 401 Squadron's Canadian pilots destroyed no fewer than six of the JU88s, and the attack on the beach was averted.
 
Nicolas Trudgian recreates the scene as Flying officer Arthur Bishop, son of WWI Ace Billy Bishop, brings down one of the JU88s that day. With its starboard engine on fire, and its hydraulics shot away, the doomed Luftwaffe fighter-bomber begins its ultimate, uncontrollable roll. F/O Arthur Bishop hurtles past the stricken bomber, Nick's superb study showing every detail of his Mk IX Spitfire.

Below the pockmarked landscape and beachhead is packed with detail and activity: No fewer than fifty vehicles of all description can be counted, with as many ships and landing craft offshore. Some thirty aircraft are visible in the sky. A massively comprehensive image that will keep collectors endlessly absorbed in a wholly realistic atmosphere, created by a hugely talented and highly respected aviation artist.

OVERALL SIZE: 34" WIDE X 24" HIGH

THE LIMITED EDITION - 400 PRINTS INDIVIDUALLY SIGNED BY:

• PETE BROTHERS
• BUNNY CURRANT
• TOM NEIL