Adolf Galland

Description

In addition to the artist’s signature, each print is co-autographed by Generalleutnant Adolf Galland (Ret.) and Gerhard Meyer, Galland’s crew chief.
The Painting: On 15 April 1941, to celebrate General Theo Osterkamp’s 49th birthday, Oberstleutnant Adolf Galland Kommodore of JG 26, decided to join the festivities and personally deliver some lobsters and oysters. Gerhard Meyer, Galland’s Crew Chief throughout the war, filled a basket with these delicacies and carefully placed it in Galland’s new Bf 109 F.
Flying from Brest to Le Touquet, France, with his wingman Oberleutnant Westphal, Galland decided a detour to England was in order. His hunter’s instinct paid off as near Dover they surprised a large flight of Spitfires on a training exercise. Being unfamiliar with the new F models Galland inadvertently lowered his landing gear in the heat of the air battle. Even with this handicap he downed three Spitfire Mark II’s. As Galland flew through the formation, with the 109’s gear down, famous RAF Ace Paddy Finucane chased Galland claiming him as a victory.
Beautifully captured by Historical Artist Jerry Crandall in this limited edition print, Galland flies his new Bf 109 F over the French countryside with his wingman Westphal. The basket of seafood delicacies can clearly be seen directly behind Galland.