ROBERT TAYLOR Knights Move TIRPITZ RARE Rudorffer signature withFree Bonus Print
“KNIGHTS MOVE” is an awesome signed and numbered limited edition print by aviation artist Robert Taylor. The terrifying North Atlantic supply convoys to Russia began in September 1941 with Churchill’s promise to Stalin to send convoys every 10 days. The German Navy was quick to react, increasing U-boat strength in Norwegian waters, and ordering the mighty Battleship Tirpitz to Norway, prompting Churchill to say “Tirpitz is the most important naval vessel in the situation today”. He believed her destruction would, profoundly affect the course of the war. The first RAF attack was mounted on the night of 29/30 January, but the great Battleship escaped unscathed. Fearing for the Tirpitz’s safety, Hitler ordered more Luftwaffe aircraft to Norway, and the gathering German forces began inflicting mounting losses on the lumbering convoys. As the Arctic spring and summer progressed, bringing perpetual daylight to the Barents Sea, the attacks continued around the clock. The threat of attack by the Tirpitz was sufficient in itself to cause chaos and disruption to the North Atlantic convoys: The day after Convoy PQ17 set sail from Iceland on June 27, the British Home Fleet learned that Tirpitz had sailed from her hideout in the Norwegian fjords and, considering the threat to their cruiser squadron too serious, and with their battleships and carriers unable to arrive in time, PQ17 was ordered to scatter. U-boats and air attacks took a terrible toll, only 10 of the 34 merchantmen having set sail made it through to the Russian port of Archangel. “KNIGHTS MOVE” shows the awesome battleship Tirpitz under the command of Admiral Schniewind, in company with battleships Scheer and Hipper, setting sail during “Operation Rosselsprung” destined for the open sea and the North Atlantic convoy traffic. Messerschmitt Me109s of JG5, based at Petsamo, provide overhead cover while flotilla escort vessels make up the fearsome armada. The magnificent Norwegian mountains provide a spectacular backdrop this comprehensively realistic and stirring World War Two image. In addition to the artist each print in the edition has been individually signed in pencil by one of the most highly decorated Luftwaffe Aces in history. And by THREE veterans of the Arctic Campaign. Leutnant Zur See WILLIBALD VOLSING. This print is in mint condition, has been stored flat, and has never been framed. It measures 35 3/4″ x 25 1/2″ and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and a descriptive four-page color sales brochure. A Bismarck-Class battleship, the Tirpitz was launched on April 1, 1939, commissioned on February 25, 1941, and sunk by RAF bombers on November 12, 1944. This beautiful, incredibly detailed open edition print is in mint condition, measures 11″ x 17″, and has been signed and dated by the artist. GOOD LUCK AND THANKS FOR LOOKING!