Dawn Intrusion,

by Robert Bailey

February 1945 at Brandenburg-Briest, Germany. Messerschmitt 262 jets of JG¬7 are surprised at their base by an attack from P¬51 Mustangs and P¬47 Thunderbolts!

Modern day world history would be quite different had German scientists and military architects been allowed free reign with the design and execution of their blueprints early in the European war. As far back as the mid 1930's these visionary engineers and military application designers had crafted exotic weapon concepts onto paper that catapulted air war into the 21st century. Their creations became known as 'wonder weapons' and encompassed the first operational jet aircraft (Me­262), the rocket plane (Me­163), and the intercontinental ballistic missile (V­2). These revelations no doubt came as a complete shock to the Allies when first encountered, to the extent that the eyewitnesses were not believed.

But the outcome of the war was another example of 'too little, too late.' The tide had shifted in favor of the Allies, supported in large part by America's war production turning out planes, tanks and munitions, overwhelmed German industry. Fighting a continental war on two fronts was too much for these new weapons which were just entering combat service. They ultimately had minimal impact on reversing Germany's attempt at world domination.

Hitler's meddling in the design and implementation of these weapons played a large role in delaying them from entering the war at an earlier time, dooming the Reich's chances of turning the tide in their own favor.

Still, the designs of the world's first combat jet aircraft and its brief war record was exemplary. Flying at well over 100 mph faster than the fastest Allied aircraft, they raised havoc among bomber streams when they engaged them during the Allies daily missions to bomb Germany into submission. Flown by 'experten' pilots who had demonstrated mastery of combat flying, this weapon was a serious threat to the Allies.

Originally test flown in 1941 and available for combat in May of 1944, the 'Swallow' was vulnerable to attack when taking off or landing, because of the necessarily lower speed. It was on these occasions that the fighter pilots of the 8th and 9th A.F. learned to pounce on these jets.

In Robert Bailey's combat, DAWN INTRUSION, Walter Schuck aborts his landing at Brandenburg-Briest when he sees that it is under attack by American Mustangs. Fellow Luftwaffe jet pilots preparing to take off at the end of the runway firewall their Jumo jet engines to escape the rapidly escalating strike in the target rich environment. Specialized Me­109's guarding the vulnerable jets pass overhead to engage the incoming threat of more P­51's. The air is tense with adrenalin and terse RT chatter as pilots maneuver into the most favorable position. In this case, the Luftwaffe faces overwhelming odds.

Overall print size 31" x  20"