{"title":"BATTLE: Battle of France","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"billy-drake-first-of-many-by-ivan-berryman-p","title":"Billy Drake - First of Many by Ivan Berryman. (P)","description":"B0294P. Billy Drake - First of Many by Ivan Berryman. \u003cp\u003e Group Captain Billy Drake in Hurricane JX-P of No.1 Sqn scoring his first victory, an Me109 during the Battle of France, on 20th April 1940. \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by Erich Rudorffer (deceased),\u003cbr\u003eFlight Lieutenant Alex Thom DFC,\u003cbr\u003eSquadron Leader Maurice P Brown (deceased)\u003cbr\u003eand\u003cbr\u003eWing Commander Roger Morewood (deceased).  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e  Original pencil drawing by Ivan Berryman.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Size 16 inches x 12 inches (41cm x 31cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54134269313357,"sku":null,"price":520.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWb0294p.jpg?v=1781870316"},{"product_id":"terminal-morane-by-ivan-berryman-p","title":"Terminal Morane by Ivan Berryman. (P)","description":"B0354P. Terminal Morane by Ivan Berryman. \u003cp\u003e On the evening of 25th May 1940, Luftwaffe Ace Hans-Ekkehard Bob claimed his third victory, bringing down a French Morane 406 near Cambrai during the Battle of France in his Me109 of 3.\/JG21. \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by :\u003cbr\u003eGroup Captain Byron Duckenfield AFC (deceased),\u003cbr\u003eFlight Lieutenant Alex Thom DFC,\u003cbr\u003eFlight Lieutenant Roy Daines DFM\u003cbr\u003eand\u003cbr\u003eWing Commander Roger Morewood (deceased).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Original pencil drawing by Ivan Berryman.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Paper size 17 inches x 12 inches (43cm x 31cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54134270263629,"sku":null,"price":550.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWb0354.jpg?v=1781870367"},{"product_id":"czech-mate-by-david-pentland-pc","title":"Czech - Mate by David Pentland. (PC)","description":"DHM0580PC. Czech - Mate by David Pentland. \u003cp\u003e  French Armee de L air Curtiss Hawk 75As flown by Czech ace Frantisele Pevina and his squadron Commander Captaine Jean Accaut, dive on unsuspecting Junker Ju87Bs (Stukas) during the Battle of France 1940. \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCollector's Postcard - Restricted Initial Print Run of 40 cards.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePostcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54134628385101,"sku":null,"price":2.9,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm0580pc.jpg?v=1781871080"},{"product_id":"zerst-246-rer-break-by-ivan-berryman-pc","title":"Zerst\u0026#246;rer Break by Ivan Berryman. (PC)","description":"DHM6658PC. Zerstörer Break by Ivan Berryman. \u003cp\u003e Just how vulnerable the pilot and observer of a Messerschmitt Bf.110 were during the early stages of the war is ably demonstrated in this view from the cockpit of a Bf.110C-2 of 1\/ZG 52, based at Charleville during the Battle of France in June 1940. Later versions featured an armoured seat and head protection for the pilot.  \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCollector's Postcard - Restricted Initial Print Run of 100 cards. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePostcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54134751035725,"sku":null,"price":2.9,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm6658pc.jpg?v=1781872461"},{"product_id":"czech-mate-by-david-pentland-gs","title":"Czech - Mate by David Pentland. (GS)","description":"DHM580GS. Czech - Mate by David Pentland. \u003cp\u003e French Armee de L air Curtiss Hawk 75As flown by Czech ace Frantisele Pevina and his squadron Commander Captaine Jean Accaut, dive on unsuspecting Junker Ju87Bs (Stukas) during the Battle of France 1940. \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eImage size 20 inches x 30 inches (51cm x 76cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54134889447757,"sku":null,"price":400.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm0580.jpg?v=1781871022"},{"product_id":"against-the-tide-by-stan-stokes-gs","title":"Against the Tide by Stan Stokes. (GS)","description":"STK0128GS. Against the Tide by Stan Stokes. \u003cp\u003e As dawn broke on the morning of May 10, 1940, an irresistible tide of German armored and aerial might crashed across the frontiers of Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. A combination of paratroopers, fast moving panzer units, truck born infantry, and mobile artillery smashed its way through the dazed and outnumbered defenders. Leading the Luftwaffe assault were waves of fast fighter aircraft, twin-engine bombers, and screaming Stukka dive bombers. Blitzkrieg had arrived. Within four short weeks Holland, Belgium, and Luxembourg had all capitulated to the victorious Wermacht, and the British Expeditionary Force had been forced to evacuate at Dunkirk. By the middle of June the battered and demoralized French Army was in full retreat and falling back towards Paris. In desperate attempts to stem the tide, valiant but outnumbered units of the Armee de lAir struck back with great courage against advancing German Panzer divisions, vainly trying to save their beloved capital city. In Stan Stokes painting entitled Against the Tide, French warplanes of two generations rendezvous over Paris before the battle begins. The Detwoitine D.520 was undoubtedly the best French fighter of WW II. Had the armistice not taken place the D.520s career would have paralleled that of its contemporaries in Germany and Britain. Production was slated to reach more than 2,000 aircraft in 1940, and plans had been put in place to have this aircraft produced in America by the Ford Motor Company. In comparative tests with the Bf-109E, the Detwoitine showed superior maneuverability, and plans were adopted for upgrading the power of its engine to provide comparable speed and rates of climb to the 109. Armed with a 20mm nose mounted cannon and four 7.5mm wing-mounted machine guns, the D.520 could obtain a top speed of 332-mph with its 910-HP Hispano-Suiza 12Y45 engine. Among Frances highest scoring fighter pilots who flew the D.520 was Sous-Lieutenanat Pierre Le Gloan. Le Gloan destroyed 11 opposing German and Italian aircraft during the Battle of France and later would fight against the British during the campaign in Vichy-controlled Syria. His final total reached 18 before his death is a flying accident in 1943. Indicative of the dramatic changes in the Armee de lAir at the start of WW II are the obsolescent Bloch MB 210 medium bombers and the Breguet Bre.693 assault aircraft. The MB 210 (numerically the most important French bomber in late 1939) with its severe angularity, slab-sided fuselage, glass-house nose, and birdcage-like turrets was a typical French bomber of the 1930s. With a crew of 5, and a maximum bomb load of 3,500 lbs the 210 had a top speed of only 210-MPH. In contrast, the Bre.693 was a sleek and modern attack aircraft with fighter-like performance. With twin 700-HP radials this heavily armed aircraft was capable of 301-MPH. Many of these aircraft were lost during the Battle of France in low level attacks on German armour. \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Limited edition of 100 giclee canvas prints. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Size 27 inches x 18 inches (69cm x 46cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135079567693,"sku":null,"price":294.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWstk0128.jpg?v=1781873607"},{"product_id":"billy-drake-first-of-many-by-ivan-berryman-ap","title":"Billy Drake - First of Many by Ivan Berryman. (AP)","description":"B0294AP. Billy Drake - First of Many by Ivan Berryman. \u003cp\u003e Group Captain Billy Drake in Hurricane JX-P of No.1 Sqn scoring his first victory, an Me109 during the Battle of France, on 20th April 1940. \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by Wing Commander Roger Morewood (deceased),\u003cbr\u003eGroup Captain Byron Duckenfield AFC (deceased)\u003cbr\u003eand\u003cbr\u003eGroup Captain Billy Drake DSO DFC* (deceased)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLimited edition of 15 artist proofs. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Image size 12 inches x 9 inches (31cm x 23cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135132619085,"sku":null,"price":110.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWb0294.jpg?v=1781870318"},{"product_id":"terminal-morane-by-ivan-berryman-ap","title":"Terminal Morane by Ivan Berryman. (AP)","description":"B0354AP. Terminal Morane by Ivan Berryman. \u003cp\u003e On the evening of 25th May 1940, Luftwaffe Ace Hans-Ekkehard Bob claimed his third victory, bringing down a French Morane 406 near Cambrai during the Battle of France. \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by Major Hans-Ekkehard Bob. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLimited edition of 20 artist proofs.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 21cm) \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135134781773,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWb0354.jpg?v=1781870367"},{"product_id":"czech-mate-by-david-pentland-ap","title":"Czech - Mate by David Pentland. (AP)","description":"DHM580AP. Czech - Mate by David Pentland. \u003cp\u003e French Armee de L air Curtiss Hawk 75As flown by Czech ace Frantisele Pevina and his squadron Commander Captaine Jean Accaut, dive on unsuspecting Junker Ju87Bs (Stukas) during the Battle of France 1940. \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Limited edition of 50 artist proofs.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eImage size 12 inches x 17 inches (31cm x 43cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135165354317,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm0580.jpg?v=1781871022"},{"product_id":"front-line-hurricanes-by-robert-taylor-ap","title":"Front Line Hurricanes by Robert Taylor (AP)","description":"DHM2149AP.  Front Line Hurricanes by Robert Taylor. \u003cp\u003e Based at a temporary formed airfield at Lille Marc, Hurricanes of No. 87 Squadron - showing the strains of battle - taxi in from a skirmish during heavy fighting in the Battle of France, May 1940. \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by : \u003cbr\u003eWing Commander Roland Bee Beamont CBE DSO DFC DL (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eAir Commodore Peter Brothers CBE, DSO, DFC* (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eGroup Captain Frank Carey (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eGroup Captain Dennis David CBE DFC AFC (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eSquadron Leader John Gibson (deceased) \u003cbr\u003eand \u003cbr\u003eSquadron Leader Kenneth Lee (deceased).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLimited edition of artist proofs.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePaper size 33 inches x 24 inches (84cm x 61cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135233216845,"sku":null,"price":360.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm2149.jpg?v=1781871771"},{"product_id":"billy-drake-first-of-many-by-ivan-berryman","title":"Billy Drake - First of Many by Ivan Berryman.","description":"B0294. Billy Drake - First of Many by Ivan Berryman. \u003cp\u003e Group Captain Billy Drake in Hurricane JX-P of No.1 Sqn scoring his first victory, an Me109 during the Battle of France, on 20th April 1940. \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by Wing Commander Roger Morewood (deceased)\u003cbr\u003eand\u003cbr\u003eGroup Captain Billy Drake DSO DFC* (deceased).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned limited edition of 35 prints. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eImage size 12 inches x 9 inches (31cm x 23cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135549428045,"sku":null,"price":100.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWb0294.jpg?v=1781870318"},{"product_id":"billy-drake-first-of-many-by-ivan-berryman-b","title":"Billy Drake - First of Many by Ivan Berryman. (B)","description":"B0294B. Billy Drake - First of Many by Ivan Berryman. \u003cp\u003e Group Captain Billy Drake in Hurricane JX-P of No.1 Sqn scoring his first victory, an Me109 during the Battle of France, on 20th April 1940. \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by Wing Commander Roger Morewood (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eGroup Captain Billy Drake DSO DFC* (deceased)\u003cbr\u003eand\u003cbr\u003eGroup Captain Byron Duckenfield AFC (deceased). \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePilots Presentation edition of 2 prints. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Image size 12 inches x 9 inches (31cm x 23cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135549460813,"sku":null,"price":300.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWb0294.jpg?v=1781870318"},{"product_id":"terminal-morane-by-ivan-berryman","title":"Terminal Morane by Ivan Berryman.","description":"B0354. Terminal Morane by Ivan Berryman. \u003cp\u003e On the evening of 25th May 1940, Luftwaffe Ace Hans-Ekkehard Bob claimed his third victory, bringing down a French Morane 406 near Cambrai during the Battle of France. \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by Major Hans-Ekkehard Bob. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLimited edition of 30 giclee art prints.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 21cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135552606541,"sku":null,"price":70.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWb0354.jpg?v=1781870367"},{"product_id":"terminal-morane-by-ivan-berryman-b","title":"Terminal Morane by Ivan Berryman. (B)","description":"B0354B. Terminal Morane by Ivan Berryman. \u003cp\u003e On the evening of 25th May 1940, Luftwaffe Ace Hans-Ekkehard Bob claimed his third victory, bringing down a French Morane 406 near Cambrai during the Battle of France. \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by Major Hans-Ekkehard Bob. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSignature edition of 2 prints.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 20cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135552639309,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWb0354.jpg?v=1781870367"},{"product_id":"czech-mate-by-david-pentland","title":"Czech - Mate by David Pentland.","description":"DHM580. Czech - Mate by David Pentland. \u003cp\u003e French Armee de L air Curtiss Hawk 75As flown by Czech ace Frantisele Pevina and his squadron Commander Captaine Jean Accaut, dive on unsuspecting Junker Ju87Bs (Stukas) during the Battle of France 1940. \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Signed limited edition of 1000 prints.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eImage size 12 inches x 17 inches (31cm x 43cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135795548493,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm0580.jpg?v=1781871022"},{"product_id":"front-line-hurricanes-by-robert-taylor","title":"Front Line Hurricanes by Robert Taylor.","description":"DHM2149.  Front Line Hurricanes by Robert Taylor. \u003cp\u003e Based at a temporary formed airfield at Lille Marc, Hurricanes of No. 87 Squadron - showing the strains of battle - taxi in from a skirmish during heavy fighting in the Battle of France, May 1940. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSold out at the publisher - we have the last 25 prints available.\u003cbr\u003eSold with 2 companion prints.\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by : \u003cbr\u003eWing Commander Roland Bee Beamont CBE DSO DFC DL (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eAir Commodore Peter Brothers CBE, DSO, DFC* (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eGroup Captain Frank Carey (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eGroup Captain Dennis David CBE DFC AFC (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eSquadron Leader John Gibson (deceased) \u003cbr\u003eand \u003cbr\u003eSquadron Leader Kenneth Lee (deceased).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned limited edition of 800 prints. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Paper size 33 inches x 24 inches (84cm x 61cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135917445453,"sku":null,"price":210.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm2149.jpg?v=1781871771"},{"product_id":"front-line-hurricanes-by-robert-taylor-b","title":"Front Line Hurricanes by Robert Taylor. 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Front Line Hurricanes by Robert Taylor. \u003cp\u003e Based at a temporary formed airfield at Lille Marc, Hurricanes of No. 87 Squadron - showing the strains of battle - taxi in from a skirmish during heavy fighting in the Battle of France, May 1940. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSupplied without usual companion prints.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned by : \u003cbr\u003eWing Commander Roland Bee Beamont CBE DSO DFC DL (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eAir Commodore Peter Brothers CBE, DSO, DFC* (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eGroup Captain Frank Carey (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eGroup Captain Dennis David CBE DFC AFC (deceased), \u003cbr\u003eSquadron Leader John Gibson (deceased) \u003cbr\u003eand \u003cbr\u003eSquadron Leader Kenneth Lee (deceased).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigned limited edition of 800 prints (without companion prints). \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Paper size 33 inches x 24 inches (84cm x 61cm)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Military Aviation Art Prints","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54135917478221,"sku":null,"price":190.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/5449\/9149\/files\/2026NEWdhm2149.jpg?v=1781871771"},{"product_id":"against-the-tide-by-stan-stokes","title":"Against the Tide by Stan Stokes.","description":"STK0128. Against the Tide by Stan Stokes. \u003cp\u003e As dawn broke on the morning of May 10, 1940, an irresistible tide of German armored and aerial might crashed across the frontiers of Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. A combination of paratroopers, fast moving panzer units, truck born infantry, and mobile artillery smashed its way through the dazed and outnumbered defenders. Leading the Luftwaffe assault were waves of fast fighter aircraft, twin-engine bombers, and screaming Stukka dive bombers. Blitzkrieg had arrived. Within four short weeks Holland, Belgium, and Luxembourg had all capitulated to the victorious Wermacht, and the British Expeditionary Force had been forced to evacuate at Dunkirk. By the middle of June the battered and demoralized French Army was in full retreat and falling back towards Paris. In desperate attempts to stem the tide, valiant but outnumbered units of the Armee de lAir struck back with great courage against advancing German Panzer divisions, vainly trying to save their beloved capital city. In Stan Stokes painting entitled Against the Tide, French warplanes of two generations rendezvous over Paris before the battle begins. The Detwoitine D.520 was undoubtedly the best French fighter of WW II. Had the armistice not taken place the D.520s career would have paralleled that of its contemporaries in Germany and Britain. Production was slated to reach more than 2,000 aircraft in 1940, and plans had been put in place to have this aircraft produced in America by the Ford Motor Company. In comparative tests with the Bf-109E, the Detwoitine showed superior maneuverability, and plans were adopted for upgrading the power of its engine to provide comparable speed and rates of climb to the 109. Armed with a 20mm nose mounted cannon and four 7.5mm wing-mounted machine guns, the D.520 could obtain a top speed of 332-mph with its 910-HP Hispano-Suiza 12Y45 engine. Among Frances highest scoring fighter pilots who flew the D.520 was Sous-Lieutenanat Pierre Le Gloan. Le Gloan destroyed 11 opposing German and Italian aircraft during the Battle of France and later would fight against the British during the campaign in Vichy-controlled Syria. His final total reached 18 before his death is a flying accident in 1943. Indicative of the dramatic changes in the Armee de lAir at the start of WW II are the obsolescent Bloch MB 210 medium bombers and the Breguet Bre.693 assault aircraft. The MB 210 (numerically the most important French bomber in late 1939) with its severe angularity, slab-sided fuselage, glass-house nose, and birdcage-like turrets was a typical French bomber of the 1930s. With a crew of 5, and a maximum bomb load of 3,500 lbs the 210 had a top speed of only 210-MPH. In contrast, the Bre.693 was a sleek and modern attack aircraft with fighter-like performance. With twin 700-HP radials this heavily armed aircraft was capable of 301-MPH. 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