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Japanese Fighters and Japanese Bombers
of World war Two in aviation art prints. Japanese aircraft FIM2 and Japanese
Zero fighter, A6M0s in aviation art prints including the attack on Pearl
Harbor by aviation artists Robert Taylor and Ivan Berryman. Aviation art
prints available from the aviation art print company.
The Brits Get Burned by Stan Stokes.
Twenty-four
hours prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Japanese fighters
near the Gulf of Siam shot down a RAF Catalina flying boat. The RAF
aircraft had stumbled across the Japanese Southern Expeditionary Fleet
proceeding to Malaya with a powerful invasion force. With many of its
carriers approaching Pearl Harbor, the Japanese invasion force was
dependent on land-based air cover. The Japanese Navys 22nd
Air Flotilla had relocated to bases in French Indochina. Also within
range were Army aircraft flying out of the Saigon area. The Japanese had
several hundred aircraft at their disposal. On the British side there
was a collection of approximately 150 mostly obsolete and poorly
maintained aircraft including Brewster Buffalos, Vildebeast torpedo
bombers, Blenheim light bombers, and Hudson patrol aircraft. The British
had reinforced their naval forces in the area in November with the
arrival of Force Z. Force Z included the old battle cruiser Repulse
and the new state-of-the-art battleship Prince of Wales. It had
also included the aircraft carrier Indomitable, but that ship had
unhappily run aground in the West Indies. Force Z was sent north, under
radio silence, to seek out the Japanese invasion force. Guided by some
reports from a submarine, a force of 53 Japanese aircraft from the 22nd
Air Flotilla took off on a mission to intercept the British force.
Flying twin-engine G3M Nell and G4M1 Betty bombers, mostly armed with
torpedoes, the Japanese pilots flew southwards through darkness and
heavy clouds. Finally spotting something, the aircraft proceeded to
attack position, but realized at the last minute that they were
preparing to attack Admiral Ozawas flagship. About the same time, Force
Z made contact with two scout planes launched from Ozawas cruisers.
Disappointed that they had lost any element of surprise, the British
force turned back. The next day the force was spotted by Japanese
reconnaissance aircraft and their position was established for another
attack force of nearly 100 aircraft.
The Repulse was attacked first by a low level bombing run
by Nells. Two waves of torpedo bomber attacks then followed. Captain
Tennant, the ships commander twisted and swerved his ship, managing to
dodge all the torpedoes. A third wave resulted in a single torpedo hit;
exposing the old ship to nine more torpedo bombers. Four more torpedoes
struck home, and the Repulse rolled over and sunk. The Prince
of Wales was attacked by an initial wave of nine torpedo bombers,
and suffered two hits. Mortally wounded she was attacked by a second
wave of torpedo bombers. This time 4 more torpedoes struck home. She
capsized and sank a few hours after the Repulse had preceded her.
The demise of the Repulse and the Prince of Wales marked
the end of the Battleship Era. Never again could powerful ships feel any
security as long as unopposed enemy airpower was in range.
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Mission to Yokohama, Japan, June 1944 by David Pentland.
Boeing B29 Superfortresses of the USAAF 40th Bomb Group come under attack from a Kawasaki Ki64 Hein (Tony) of the Japanese Army Airforces 244th Sentai.
Signed limited edition of 500 prints. Image size 20 inches x 15 inches (51cm x 38cm) Printed on high quality artist paper board.. Price £95.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £180.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91.5cm x 61cm). Price £590.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £460.00
Original painting by David Pentland. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91.5cm x 61cm). Price £2500.00
Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00
ITEM CODE DP0008
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The Brits Get Burned by Stan Stokes.
Twenty-four hours prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Japanese fighters near the Gulf of Siam shot down a RAF Catalina flying boat. The RAF aircraft had stumbled across the Japanese Southern Expeditionary Fleet proceeding to Malaya with a powerful invasion force. With many of its carriers approaching Pearl Harbor, the Japanese invasion force was dependent on land-based air cover. The Japanese Navys 22nd Air Flotilla had relocated to bases in French Indochina. Also within range were Army aircraft flying out of the Saigon area. The Japanese had several hundred aircraft at their disposal. On the British side there was a collection of approximately 150 mostly obsolete and poorly maintained aircraft including Brewster Buffalos, Vildebeast torpedo bombers, Blenheim light bombers, and Hudson patrol aircraft. The British had reinforced their naval forces in the area in November with the arrival of Force Z. Force Z included the old battle cruiser Repulse and the new state-of-the-art battleship Prince of Wales. It had also included the aircraft carrier Indomitable, but that ship had unhappily run aground in the West Indies. Force Z was sent north, under radio silence, to seek out the Japanese invasion force. Guided by some reports from a submarine, a force of 53 Japanese aircraft from the 22nd Air Flotilla took off on a mission to intercept the British force. Flying twin-engine G3M Nell and G4M1 Betty bombers, mostly armed with torpedoes, the Japanese pilots flew southwards through darkness and heavy clouds. Finally spotting something, the aircraft proceeded to attack position, but realized at the last minute that they were preparing to attack Admiral Ozawas flagship. About the same time, Force Z made contact with two scout planes launched from Ozawas cruisers. Disappointed that they had lost any element of surprise, the British force turned back. The next day the force was spotted by Japanese reconnaissance aircraft and their position was established for another attack force of nearly 100 aircraft. The Repulse was attacked first by a low level bombing run by Nells. Two waves of torpedo bomber attacks then followed. Captain Tennant, the ships commander twisted and swerved his ship, managing to dodge all the torpedoes. A third wave resulted in a single torpedo hit; exposing the old ship to nine more torpedo bombers. Four more torpedoes struck home, and the Repulse rolled over and sunk. The Prince of Wales was attacked by an initial wave of nine torpedo bombers, and suffered two hits. Mortally wounded she was attacked by a second wave of torpedo bombers. This time 4 more torpedoes struck home. She capsized and sank a few hours after the Repulse had preceded her. The demise of the Repulse and the Prince of Wales marked the end of the Battleship Era. Never again could powerful ships feel any security as long as unopposed enemy airpower was in range.
Signed limited edition of 4750 prints. Print size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm) Supplied with signed and numbered certificate of authenticity.. Price £37.00
Limited edition of 100 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £484.00
Limited edition of 100 giclee canvas prints. Size 27 inches x 18 inches (69cm x 46cm). Price £294.00
ITEM CODE STK0126
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Lance of the Samurai by Stan Stokes.
As the war in the Pacific continued to intensify in 1943 and 1944, the naval air forces of Japan began to suffer from both quantitative and qualitative shortcomings in both aircraft and pilots that contributed to American domination of the air. The once dominant Japanese naval air arm was decimated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the defense of the Philippines, and other lesser battles. With American bombing forces now capable of reaching the Japanese islands with B-29 Superfortresses, the Japanese lacked any effective fighter defenses. In an effort to improve the situation and provide some semblance of air superiority, Captain Minoru Genda, the architect of the air operations for the attack on Pearl Harbor, formed a new elite fighter air group, the 343rd Kokutai, at Matsuyama in December of 1944. This group contained the best of Japans remaining fighter pilots which were personally selected for participation. Consisting of three squadrons, the 301st, 407th, and 701st hikotai, this fighter unit was Japans most proficient during the latter months of the war. The effectiveness of this unit was not solely attributable to the skill of its pilots, but also resulted from the aircraft which it flew. All three squadrons were equipped with the Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden-kai (violet lightning) model 21 fighter. These were fast, highly maneuverable, and heavily armed fighters. Unlike most earlier Japanese designs, these aircraft also provided better armor protection for the pilot. Nicknamed the George by the Allies, the N1K2-J was derived from an earlier float plane the N1K1 Kyofu. Entering service in late 1944 the George was capable of 365-MPH armed with its four 20-mm wing mounted cannon. In the hands of experienced combat pilots, the N1K2-J was the equal to the American-made Hellcats and Corsairs it faced, and was vastly superior to the aging Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero. About 400 N1K2-Js would be produced before the end of the war. The efficacy of Gendas idea was demonstrated on March 19, 1945 when fifty-four aircraft from the 343rd attacked an unsuspecting and overconfident carrier strike group of F6Fs, F4Us, and SB2-Cs in the Kure area. In a matter of minutes the American force was shredded by Gendas elite group. The Japanese claimed the destruction of forty-eight U.S. fighters and four dive bombers vs. the loss of only sixteen of its own aircraft. On June 2, 1945 a force of twenty-one N1K2-Js attacked a similarly-sized force of Corsairs. In this battle the Japanese claimed 18 victories. It was estimated that during the six month period in which the 343rd operated that a total of 170 American aircraft were downed compared to the loss of 74 Japanese pilots. Pictured in Stan Stokes painting, entitled Lance of the Samurai, is the Shiden-kai flown by Chief Petty Officer Shoichi Sugita of the 301st hikotai. During the March 19th combat Sugita claimed four F6Fs and three probables. He was later killed in action on April 15, 1945.
Signed limited edition of 4750 prints. Print size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm) Supplied with signed and numbered certificate of authenticity.. Price £37.00
ITEM CODE STK0119
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Battleship Row by Stan Stokes.
Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto attended Harvard University where he gained a good understanding of American culture and developed an avid interest in the game of poker. Yamamoto played his cards when he outlined a plan to attack Pearl Harbor in January 1941. In April the Japanese organized a First Air Fleet with Vice Admiral Nagumo as its Commander in Chief. Commander Minoru Genda was appointed air staff officer, and because Nagumo was unfamiliar with air tactics, Genda was given responsibility for planning the attack on Pearl Harbor. Cdr. Genda immediately began perfecting the Pearl Harbor plan, and few details were overlooked. The Imperial Navys First Air Fleet consisted of six carriers. The Akagi, flagship of the strike force, was a converted cruiser which carried 63 aircraft. The Kaga also carried 63 aircraft, and was a converted battleship. The Soryu was the first carrier built from the ground up and was similar to the Hiryu. Each carrier had a compliment of 54 aircraft. With two additional carriers, the Zuikaku and the Shokaku, the fleet had a total of 378 aircraft. Three different types of aircraft were utilized for the attack. Mitsubishi A6M2 Zeros, a highly maneuverable single seat fighter, was responsible for obtaining air control and for strafing aircraft and ground installations. Aichi D3A1 Vals, with two-man crews, were utilized for dive bombing. Nakajima B5N2 Kates were responsible for horizontal bombing and torpedo bombing. The Kate carried a crew of three and had a cruising speed of only 160 MPH. During the first wave of the attack 183 aircraft were deployed. Torpedo aircraft from the Akagi, the Hiryu, and the Kaga targeted battleship row during this first wave. As portrayed in Stan Stokes life-like painting, a Japanese Kate from the Akagi launches its torpedo from very low altitude. Not far in the distance looms the USS West Virginia and Tennessee, virtual sitting ducks. The Japanese had trained carefully, and had modified their Kai Model 2 torpedoes to accommodate the shallow waters of Pearl Harbor. While caught by surprise, the USN was fortunate that its carriers were not in port, and that the Japanese had failed to destroy many of the support and repair facilities. This stroke of good luck permitted the USN to repair many of the ships damaged in the attack quite quickly. The devastating blow Yamamoto had planned for December 7, 1941 backfired by infuriating American public opinion, and eventually lead to Imperial Japans defeat and unconditional surrender.
Signed limited edition of 4750 prints. Print size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm) Supplied with signed and numbered certificate of authenticity.. Price £37.00
Signed limited edition of 225 prints. Size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm). Price £74.00 Signed by USN Electricians Mate from USS West Virginia - Stanley A Kalina.
ITEM CODE STK0111
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Final Assault by Stan Stokes.
The largest and most powerful bomber of WW II, the Boeing B-29 Super Fortress, played a major role in bringing about the defeat of Japan. In addition to accelerating Japans surrender following the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with atomic bombs, thousands of B-29 crews flew tens of thousands of bombing missions against Japan from bases in China, India, and later in the War from recaptured islands in the Pacific. B-29s entered service in 1943 following a lengthy, problem-filled, development process of three years in response to the governments request for a long range strategic bomber. Only Boeing and Douglas (the B-32 Dominator) responded to the governments requests, and the B-32 had even greater development problems than the B-29. Powered by four giant Wright R-3350-23 radial engines generating a total horsepower of 8,924, the Super Fortresses typically carried crews of ten. They were capable of a top speed of 357-MPH, and at slower cruising speeds had a range of more than 3,200 miles. The B-29 was a large aircraft for its time with a wingspan in excess of 140 feet and a length of just under 100 feet. The Super Forts also had pressurized forward and aft hulls, which made the long distance missions a bit more comfortable for the flight crews. B-29s typically carried defensive armament which included ten machine guns and a single tail-mounted canon. Because of the pressurized hull, the guns were operated by remote control. The first operational B-29 wing was the 58th which flew out of the China-Burma-India theater. On March 9, 1945 General Curtis LeMay ordered an unusual low altitude attack on Tokyo by hundreds of B-29s carrying incendiary bombs. Five such low level missions were scheduled over a ten-day period, and the combined destruction of these missions exceeded that of either of the atomic bomb missions. B-29s were also effectively used to mine Japanese ports and shipping lanes. The Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu heavy fighter, which is depicted attacking the B-29 in Stan Stokes painting, entered production in 1941 following a lengthy four year development. About 1,700 of these aircraft, code named Nick by the allies, were produced. The Ki-45 never proved effective as a long range daylight interceptor. It was, however, used effectively in ground attack and night fighter roles. It was one of only a few Japanese aircraft that had some success against the onslaught of B-29s because it was able to attain the high altitudes necessary to intercept the high-flying Super Fortresses. This print is dedicated to the thousands of B-29 officers and crewmen who hastened the end of the Pacific War.
Signed limited edition of 4750 prints. Print size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm) Supplied with signed and numbered certificate of authenticity.. Price £37.00
Limited edition of 25 giclee paper prints. Size 21 inches x 14 inches (53cm x 36cm). Price £109.00
Limited edition of 100 giclee canvas prints. Size 45 inches x 30 inches (114cm x 76cm). Price £624.00
Limited edition of 100 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £484.00
Limited edition of 100 giclee canvas prints. Size 27 inches x 18 inches (69cm x 46cm). Price £294.00
ITEM CODE STK0093
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Birth of a Legend by Stan Stokes.
Colin P. Kelly, Americas first hero of WW II, was born in Florida in 1915. He was accepted to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and following graduation Kelly married the former Marian Wick. Kelly received his primary flight instruction at Randolph Field in San Antonio, and after earning his wings he moved across town to Kelly Field for advanced pilot training. Unlike many would-be fighter pilots, Kelly was not disappointed with being assigned as a bomber pilot. Kelly received a letter of commendation from The Secretary of War when he crash landed a Northrop A-17A he was ferrying to Mitchel field in a vacant street in Brooklyn. In September of 1940 Kelly was promoted to Captain, and was assigned to the 42nd Bomb Squadron as commander of a B-17. Kelly trained in Hawaii, and was later made Operations Officer for the 14th Bomb Squadron. In September of 1941 Kelly and his crew flew from Hawaii to Clark Field in the Philippines. The B-17s were an important addition to the woefully inadequate and obsolete air forces which America had in the Philippines. The Japanese Imperial forces attacked the Philippines only hours following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Mitsubishi Zero fighters, flying to maximize their range, were able to accompany Japanese bombers from bases in Formosa. The initial attack on Clark Field damaged or destroyed many American aircraft. Kellys squadron had been moved south to another field and had escaped damage. On December 10, Kellys squadron was ordered to fly north to Clark Field where they would refuel and arm their aircraft for attacks on the Japanese invasion fleet. Kellys regular B-17D was out of service, so his crew was assigned a B-17C. At Clark Field three 600-pound armor piercing bombs were loaded on Kellys B-17 when an air raid hastened their departure. Kelly flew northward to the northern most tip of the island of Luzon. Kelly spotted a number of Japanese ships which were supporting an amphibious landing. The young Captain dropped his three bombs hoping to destroy the largest of the Japanese ships. One bomb struck the vessel, igniting a tremendous blaze. On returning to Clark Field, the B-17 was attacked by a number of Japanese fighters, including a Zero flown by Saburo Sakai. Sakai would become the highest scoring Japanese ace to survive the War with 64 victories. Amazed by the speed of the Flying Fortress, the Zeros needed full throttle to make passes at the B-17. Kellys B-17 was eventually hit and set afire. Captain Kelly ordered his crew to abandon ship. Kelly remained with the aircraft, and he did not survive the crash landing. With America desperate for any good news on the war front, and with Army brass in the Philippines anxious to claim some positive results, Colin Kellys exploits became exaggerated in many news accounts. By the time the story was publicized stateside, many believed he had dived his B-17 down the funnel of a Japanese battleship. While Kelly was indeed an American hero, the unfortunate gross exaggeration of his exploits, should not tarnish the fact that Kelly, like many that would follow him in the years ahead, had made the ultimate sacrifice for his country in the line of duty.
Signed limited edition of 4750 prints. Print size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm) Supplied with signed and numbered certificate of authenticity.. Price £37.00
Signed limited edition of 225 prints. Size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm). Price £124.00 Signed by Japanese Ace Saburo Sakai.
Signed limited edition of 225 prints. Size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm). Price £94.00 Signed by Colin Kellys Navigator Col. Joe Bean.
Limited edition of 100 giclee canvas prints. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £484.00
Limited edition of 100 giclee canvas prints. Size 27 inches x 18 inches (69cm x 46cm). Price £294.00
ITEM CODE STK0086
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An Interesting Dog Fight by Stan Stokes.
October 23, 1942 was a typical day for American troops at Esprito Santo, but for the crew of a B-17 Flying Fortress it would become a most memorable day. Early that morning the Japanese began shelling the field. Lt. Ed Loberg, a former farm boy from Wisconsin, was ordered to take his B-17 up for a reconnaissance mission to determine where the Japanese guns may be located. Not finding anything they returned to the field. The brakes failed on the B-17 upon landing, and they hit several parked Navy aircraft. Fortunately for Lobergs crew a 100 pound bomb dislodged in the crash did not explode. Later that day the crew boarded another B-17 and went hunting out to sea. Around mid-day the crew noticed a PBY being attacked by a Kawanishi H6K Mavis flying boat. Diving the B-17 straight down, the Mavis and the Flying Fortress soon entered a rain squall. The windows were black with clouds and rain, and the plane was buffeted by strong winds. Emerging from the squall at low altitude into blinding sunlight the B-17 emerged only fifty feet from their adversary. Immediately every gun on both aircraft began firing in a broadside exchange reminiscent of age old sailing ship battles. Thousands of bullets criss-crossed the narrow spread of air, and the Fortress shuddered from the impact. Tracer bullets from the B-17 pelted the Mavis like darts with many ricocheting off its armor. The Mavis made a tight turn, and Loberg turned inside him to avoid the mortal sting from the Mavis tail guns. In and out of rain squalls this interesting dogfight continued for 45 minutes. The Mavis kept very close to the wave tops to protect is vulnerable under belly. Several times during the fight the Mavis disappeared for three or four minutes into clouds, but each time as it reemerged Lobergs B-17 resumed the attack. Twice the B-17 passed over the H6K so close that the jagged bullet holes in the Mavis and the round glasses on its two pilots could be seen clearly. Finally, the Mavis began smoking, and the Japanese plane dropped into the sea and exploded in a large ball of flame. In the words of Ira Wolfert, a war correspondent, who was on the flight; During the duel, the Fort that I was on, with a bullet in one of its motors, and two holes as big as Derby hats in its wings, made tight turns with half-rolls and banks past vertical. That is, it frequently stood against the sea on one wing like a ballet dancer balancing on one point, and occasionally it went over even farther than that and started lifting its belly toward the sky in desperate effort to keep the Jap from turning inside it… Throughout the entire forty-four minutes, the plane, one of the oldest being used in the war, ran at top speed, shaking and rippling all over like a skirt in a gale, so many inches of mercury being blown into its motors by the superchargers that the pilot and co-pilot, in addition to their other worries, had to keep an eye on the cowlings to watch for cylinder heads popping up through them. Others on Lobergs crew that day were B. Thurston the co-pilot, R Spitzer the navigator, R. Mitchell the bombadier and E. Gustafson , E. Jung, G. Holbert , E. Smith, and P. Butterbaugh who manned the guns during this unusual dogfight. Both Mitchell and Spitzer were wounded during the battle.
Signed limited edition of 4750 prints. Print size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm) Supplied with signed and numbered certificate of authenticity.. Price £37.00
Signed limited edition of 225 prints. Size 16 inches x 11.5 inches (41cm x 30cm). Price £74.00 Signed by B-17 Pilot Ed Loberg.
ITEM CODE STK0084
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Legend of Colin Kelly by Robert Taylor.
December 10th 1941, Just three days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, captain Colin Kellys 19th BG B-17C is heavily outnumbered by Zeros as it returns to Clark Field after completing a successful bombing attack. With his aircraft on fire. Kelly remained at the controls whilst his crew bailed out. Seconds later the B-17 exploded. Colin Kelly gave his life and was posthumously awarded the DFC. A legend was born.
Signed limited edition of 750 prints. Paper size 33 inches x 23 inches (84cm x 58cm). Price £200.00 Signed by Master Sergeant James E Halkyard, Staff Sergeant Robert E Altman and Saburo Sakai.
Limited edition of artist proofs. Paper size 33 inches x 23 inches (84cm x 58cm). Price £325.00 Signed by Master Sergeant James E Halkyard, Staff Sergeant Robert E Altman and Saburo Sakai.
ITEM CODE DHM2154
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Remember Pearl Harbor! by Robert Taylor
December 7, 1941. Japanese Aichi dive-bombers make a final attempt to destroy the USS Nevada as she lay beached at Hospital Point. Behind her the destroyer USS Shaw is on fire, moments later she will explode. In the docks beyond, the battleship Pennsylvania, the cruiser Helena and the flagship Argonne can all be seen in the swirling palls of dense smoke.
Signed limited edition of 750 prints. Paper size 33 inches x 26 inches (84cm x 66cm) Only a few copies available.. Price £290.00 Signed by four veterans of USS Nevada present at Pearl Harbor, Paul Adams USMC, Woodrow Wilson Derby USN, Melvin Ellis USN and Basil Pratt USN.
Limited edition of 75 artist proofs. Paper size 33 inches x 26 inches (84cm x 66cm). Price £325.00 Signed by Paul Adams USMC, Woodrow Wilson Derby USN, Melvin Ellis USN and Basil Pratt USN.
ITEM CODE DHM2467
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Morning Thunder by Robert Taylor.
There are few truly defining moments in the history of a State - single episodes that touch every citizen, and cast a nations future. Epoch-making events that influence the entire world are even more uncommon. The events that took place in the space of less than two hours on the morning of December 7, 1941 were of such defining importance, their memory is now deeply embedded into the history of the Twentieth Century. At ten minutes to eight, as the US Pacific fleet lazily came awake, suddenly, and without warning, the world around them exploded with all the mighty force of thunder: Within seconds Pearl Harbor became cloaked with attacking Japanese aircraft. Before sailors could comprehend what was happening, bombs and torpedoes had ripped out the heart of the fleet: Four of eight battleships were sunk, a dozen more naval vessels lay stricken in the water, 2400 souls perished. In those terrible few moments, the tranquil scene was transformed into a boiling cauldron of explosions, fire, smoke and unimaginable destruction. Pearl Harbor became a raging inferno. Robert Taylors specially commissioned masterpiece recreated desperate moments during the second wave attack at around 9am on December 7, 1941. Having taken six torpedo hits and two bomb strikes in the first wave attack on Battleship Row, the West Virginia is ablaze, her bows already low in the water and decks awash. Ignoring the risks, crews push the navy tug Hoga alongside with fire-fighting equipment and to pick up survivors. Overhead, Japanese Zeros swoop through the smoke, aiming the second wave attack at installations on Pearl Harbors Ford Island, to complete one of historys most devastating unprovoked declarations of war.
Signed limited edition of 500 prints. Paper size 33 inches x 24 inches (84cm x 61cm). Price £200.00 Signed by Chief Gunners Mate Miguel Acuna, Chief Boatswains Mate Richard Cunningham, Chief Machinist Al Fickel, Lieutenant John Finn, Chief Gunners Mate John Land, Machinists Mate Lyndle Lynch, Fireman 1st Class Quentin Pyle and Seaman 1st Class Ken Swedberg.
Limited edition of artist proofs. Paper size 33 inches x 24 inches (84cm x 61cm). Price £325.00 Signed by Chief Gunners Mate Miguel Acuna, Chief Boatswains Mate Richard Cunningham, Chief Machinist Al Fickel, Lieutenant John Finn, Chief Gunners Mate John Land, Machinists Mate Lyndle Lynch, Fireman 1st Class Quentin Pyle and Seaman 1st Class Ken Swedberg.
Robert Taylor Promotional Flyer. A4 Size Double Sheet 11.5 inches x 8 inches (30m x 21cm). Price £1.50
ITEM CODE RT0303
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Mission to Yokahama, Japan, June 1944 by David Pentland Boeing B29 Superfortresses of the
USAAF 40th Bomb Group come under attack from a Kawasaki Ki61 Hein (Tony)
of the Japanese Army Airforces 244th Sentai.
Lance of the Samurai by Stan Stokes. As
the war in the Pacific continued to intensify in 1943 and 1944, the
naval air forces of Japan began to suffer from both quantitative and
qualitative shortcomings in both aircraft and pilots that contributed to
American domination of the air. The once dominant Japanese naval air arm
was decimated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the defense of the
Philippines, and other lesser battles. With American bombing forces now
capable of reaching the Japanese islands with B-29 Superfortresses, the
Japanese lacked any effective fighter defenses. In an effort to improve
the situation and provide some semblance of air superiority, Captain
Minoru Genda, the architect of the air operations for the attack on
Pearl Harbor, formed a new elite fighter air group, the 343rd Kokutai,
at Matsuyama in December of 1944. This group contained the best of
Japans remaining fighter pilots which were personally selected for
participation. Consisting of three squadrons, the 301st, 407th, and
701st hikotai, this fighter unit was Japans most proficient during the
latter months of the war. The effectiveness of this unit was not solely
attributable to the skill of its pilots, but also resulted from the
aircraft which it flew. All three squadrons were equipped with the
Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden-kai (violet lightning) model 21 fighter. These
were fast, highly maneuverable, and heavily armed fighters. Unlike most
earlier Japanese designs, these aircraft also provided better armor
protection for the pilot. Nicknamed the George by the Allies, the N1K2-J
was derived from an earlier float plane the N1K1 Kyofu. Entering service
in late 1944 the George was capable of 365-MPH armed with its four 20-mm
wing mounted cannon. In the hands of experienced combat pilots, the
N1K2-J was the equal to the American-made Hellcats and Corsairs it
faced, and was vastly superior to the aging Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero. About
400 N1K2-Js would be produced before the end of the war. The efficacy of
Gendas idea was demonstrated on March 19, 1945 when fifty-four aircraft
from the 343rd attacked an unsuspecting and overconfident carrier strike
group of F6Fs, F4Us, and SB2-Cs in the Kure area. In a matter of minutes
the American force was shredded by Gendas elite group. The Japanese
claimed the destruction of forty-eight U.S. fighters and four dive
bombers vs. the loss of only sixteen of its own aircraft. On June 2,
1945 a force of twenty-one N1K2-Js attacked a similarly-sized force of
Corsairs. In this battle the Japanese claimed 18 victories. It was
estimated that during the six month period in which the 343rd operated
that a total of 170 American aircraft were downed compared to the loss
of 74 Japanese pilots. Pictured in Stan Stokes painting, entitled Lance
of the Samurai, is the Shiden-kai flown by Chief Petty Officer Shoichi
Sugita of the 301st hikotai. During the March 19th combat Sugita claimed
four F6Fs and three probables. He was later killed in action on April
15, 1945.
Battleship Row by Stan Stokes.
Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto attended Harvard University
where he gained a good understanding of American culture and developed
an avid interest in the game of poker. Yamamoto played his cards when he
outlined a plan to attack Pearl Harbor in January 1941. In April the
Japanese organized a First Air Fleet with Vice Admiral Nagumo as its
Commander in Chief. Commander Minoru Genda was appointed air staff
officer, and because Nagumo was unfamiliar with air tactics,
Genda was given responsibility for planning the attack on Pearl
Harbor. Cdr. Genda immediately began perfecting the Pearl Harbor plan,
and few details were overlooked. The Imperial Navys First Air Fleet
consisted of six carriers. The Akagi,
flagship of the strike force, was a converted cruiser which carried 63
aircraft. The Kaga also
carried 63 aircraft, and was a converted battleship. The
Soryu was the first carrier built from the ground up and was similar
to the Hiryu. Each carrier
had a compliment of 54 aircraft. With two additional carriers, the Zuikaku
and the Shokaku,
the fleet had a total of 378 aircraft. Three different types of
aircraft were utilized for the attack. Mitsubishi A6M2 Zeros, a highly
maneuverable single seat fighter, was responsible for obtaining air
control and for strafing aircraft and ground installations. Aichi D3A1
Vals, with two-man crews, were utilized for dive bombing. Nakajima B5N2
Kates were responsible for horizontal bombing and torpedo bombing. The
Kate carried a crew of three and had a cruising speed of only 160 MPH.
During the first wave of the attack 183 aircraft were deployed. Torpedo
aircraft from the Akagi, the Hiryu,
and the Kaga targeted
battleship row during this first wave. As portrayed in Stan Stokes
life-like painting, a Japanese Kate from the Akagi
launches its torpedo from very low altitude. Not far in the distance
looms the USS West Virginia
and Tennessee, virtual
sitting ducks. The Japanese had trained carefully, and had modified
their Kai Model 2 torpedoes to accommodate the shallow waters of Pearl
Harbor. While caught by surprise, the USN was fortunate that its
carriers were not in port, and that the Japanese had failed to destroy
many of the support and repair facilities. This stroke of good luck
permitted the USN to repair many of the ships damaged in the attack
quite quickly. The devastating blow Yamamoto had planned for December 7,
1941 backfired by infuriating American public opinion, and eventually
lead to Imperial Japans defeat and unconditional surrender.
Final Assault by Stan Stokes.
The
largest and most powerful bomber of WW II, the Boeing B-29 Super
Fortress, played a major role in bringing about the defeat of Japan. In
addition to accelerating Japans surrender following the bombing of
Hiroshima and Nagasaki with atomic bombs, thousands of B-29 crews flew
tens of thousands of bombing missions against Japan from bases in China,
India, and later in the War from recaptured islands in the Pacific.
B-29s entered service in 1943 following a lengthy, problem-filled,
development process of three years in response to the governments
request for a long range strategic bomber. Only Boeing and Douglas (the
B-32 Dominator) responded to the governments requests, and the B-32 had
even greater development problems than the B-29. Powered by four giant
Wright R-3350-23 radial engines generating a total horsepower of 8,924,
the Super Fortresses typically carried crews of ten. They were capable
of a top speed of 357-MPH, and at slower cruising speeds had a range of
more than 3,200 miles. The B-29 was a large aircraft for its time with a
wingspan in excess of 140 feet and a length of just under 100 feet. The
Super Forts also had pressurized forward and aft hulls, which made the
long distance missions a bit more comfortable for the flight crews.
B-29s typically carried defensive armament which included ten machine
guns and a single tail-mounted canon. Because of the pressurized hull,
the guns were operated by remote control. The first operational B-29
wing was the 58th which flew out of the China-Burma-India
theater. On March 9, 1945 General Curtis LeMay ordered an unusual low
altitude attack on Tokyo by hundreds of B-29s carrying incendiary bombs.
Five such low level missions were scheduled over a ten-day period, and
the combined destruction of these missions exceeded that of either of
the atomic bomb missions. B-29s were also effectively used to mine
Japanese ports and shipping lanes. The Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu heavy
fighter, which is depicted attacking the B-29 in Stan Stokes painting,
entered production in 1941 following a lengthy four year development.
About 1,700 of these aircraft, code named Nick by the allies, were
produced. The Ki-45 never proved effective as a long range daylight
interceptor. It was, however, used effectively in ground attack and
night fighter roles. It was one of only a few Japanese aircraft that had
some success against the onslaught of B-29s because it was able to
attain the high altitudes necessary to intercept the high-flying Super
Fortresses. This print is dedicated to the thousands of B-29 officers
and crewmen who hastened the end of the Pacific War.
Birth of a Legend by Stan Stokes.
Colin P. Kelly, Americas first hero of WW II, was born
in Florida in 1915. He was accepted to the U.S. Military Academy at West
Point, and following graduation Kelly married the former Marian Wick.
Kelly received his primary flight instruction at Randolph Field in San
Antonio, and after earning his wings he moved across town to Kelly Field
for advanced pilot training. Unlike many would-be fighter pilots, Kelly
was not disappointed with being assigned as a bomber pilot. Kelly
received a letter of commendation from The Secretary of War when he
crash landed a Northrop A-17A he was ferrying to Mitchel field in a
vacant street in Brooklyn. In September of 1940 Kelly was promoted to
Captain, and was assigned to the 42nd Bomb Squadron as commander of a
B-17. Kelly trained in Hawaii, and was later made Operations Officer for
the 14th Bomb Squadron. In September of 1941 Kelly and his crew flew
from Hawaii to Clark Field in the Philippines. The B-17s were an
important addition to the woefully inadequate and obsolete air forces
which America had in the Philippines. The Japanese Imperial forces
attacked the Philippines only hours following the attack on Pearl
Harbor. Mitsubishi Zero fighters, flying to maximize their range, were
able to accompany Japanese bombers from bases in Formosa. The initial
attack on Clark Field damaged or destroyed many American aircraft.
Kellys squadron had been moved south to another field and had escaped
damage. On December 10, Kellys squadron was ordered to fly north to
Clark Field where they would refuel and arm their aircraft for attacks
on the Japanese invasion fleet. Kellys regular B-17D was out of service,
so his crew was assigned a B-17C. At Clark Field three 600-pound armor
piercing bombs were loaded on Kellys B-17 when an air raid hastened
their departure. Kelly flew northward to the northern most tip of the
island of Luzon. Kelly spotted a number of Japanese ships which were
supporting an amphibious landing. The young Captain dropped his three
bombs hoping to destroy the largest of the Japanese ships. One bomb
struck the vessel, igniting a tremendous blaze. On returning to Clark
Field, the B-17 was attacked by a number of Japanese fighters, including
a Zero flown by Saburo Sakai. Sakai would become the highest scoring
Japanese ace to survive the War with 64 victories. Amazed by the speed
of the Flying Fortress, the Zeros needed full throttle to make passes at
the B-17. Kellys B-17 was
eventually hit and set afire. Captain Kelly ordered his crew to abandon
ship. Kelly remained with the aircraft, and he did not survive the crash
landing. With America desperate for any good news on the war front, and
with Army brass in the Philippines anxious to claim some positive
results, Colin Kellys exploits became exaggerated in many news accounts.
By the time the story was publicized stateside, many believed he had
dived his B-17 down the funnel of a Japanese battleship. While Kelly was
indeed an American hero, the
unfortunate gross exaggeration of his exploits, should not tarnish the
fact that Kelly, like many that would follow him in the years ahead, had
made the ultimate sacrifice for his country in the line of duty.
An Interesting Dog Fight by Stan Stokes.
October 23,
1942 was a typical day for American troops at Esprito Santo, but for the
crew of a B-17 Flying Fortress it would become a most memorable day.
Early that morning the Japanese began shelling the field. Lt. Ed Loberg,
a former farm boy from Wisconsin, was ordered to take his B-17 up for a
reconnaissance mission to determine where the Japanese guns may be
located. Not finding anything they returned to the field. The brakes
failed on the B-17 upon landing, and they hit several parked Navy
aircraft. Fortunately for Lobergs crew a 100 pound bomb dislodged in the
crash did not explode. Later that day the crew boarded another B-17 and
went hunting out to sea. Around mid-day the crew noticed a PBY being
attacked by a Kawanishi H6K Mavis flying boat. Diving the B-17 straight
down, the Mavis and the Flying Fortress soon entered a rain squall. The
windows were black with clouds and rain, and the plane was buffeted by
strong winds. Emerging from the squall at low altitude into blinding
sunlight the B-17 emerged only fifty feet from their adversary.
Immediately every gun on both aircraft began firing in a broadside
exchange reminiscent of age old sailing ship battles. Thousands of
bullets criss-crossed the narrow spread of air, and the Fortress
shuddered from the impact. Tracer bullets from the B-17 pelted the Mavis
like darts with many ricocheting off its armor. The Mavis made a tight
turn, and Loberg turned inside him to avoid the mortal sting from the
Mavis tail guns. In and out of rain squalls this interesting dogfight
continued for 45 minutes. The Mavis kept very close to the wave tops to
protect is vulnerable under belly. Several times during the fight the
Mavis disappeared for three or four minutes into clouds, but each time
as it reemerged Lobergs B-17 resumed the attack. Twice the B-17 passed
over the H6K so close that the jagged bullet holes in the Mavis and the
round glasses on its two pilots could be seen clearly. Finally, the
Mavis began smoking, and the Japanese plane dropped into the sea and
exploded in a large ball of flame. In the words of Ira Wolfert, a war
correspondent, who was on the flight; During the duel, the Fort that I
was on, with a bullet in one of its motors, and two holes as big as
Derby hats in its wings, made tight turns with half-rolls and banks past
vertical. That is, it frequently stood against the sea on one wing like
a ballet dancer balancing on one point, and occasionally it went over
even farther than that and started lifting its belly toward the sky in
desperate effort to keep the Jap from turning inside it… Throughout
the entire forty-four minutes, the plane, one of the oldest being used
in the war, ran at top speed, shaking and rippling all over like a skirt
in a gale, so many inches of mercury being blown into its motors by the
superchargers that the pilot and co-pilot, in addition to their other
worries, had to keep an eye on the cowlings to watch for cylinder heads
popping up through them. Others on Lobergs crew that day were B.
Thurston the co-pilot, R Spitzer the navigator,
R. Mitchell the bombadier and
E. Gustafson , E. Jung, G. Holbert , E. Smith, and P. Butterbaugh
who manned the guns during this unusual dogfight. Both Mitchell and
Spitzer were wounded during the battle.
Legend of Colin Kelly by Robert Taylor December 10th 1941, Just three days after the Japanese attack on
Pearl harbor, captain Colin Kelly's 19th BG B-17C is heavily outnumbered
by Zeros as it returns to Clark Field after completing a successful
bombing attack. With his aircraft on fire. Kelly remained at the controls
whilst his crew bailed out. Seconds later the B-17 exploded. | |
