Taran over the Kuban by David Pentland. (AP)

Crimea, 7th August 1943. While flying a late afternoon combat patrol with Otto Fonnekolds schwarm, from 5 staffel, JG52, Willi Batz witnessed a taran or ramming attack by a soviet fighter on a Luftwaffe Fw189 artillery spotter. Then a second Spitfire, which Batz mistook for an Aircobra attempted to finish off the crew which had just bailed out. At this point Batz was able to intervene and opened fire on the Spitfire forcing the Russian to take to his own parachute. This was to be his 12th victory, his final tally would be 237. Unfortunately for the German crew they were all captured on landing.

Signed by :
Obergefreiter Walter Erker
and
Feldwebel Heinz Radlauer.

Limited edition of 20 artist proofs.

Image size 12 inches x 8 inches (31cm x 21cm)