Most Memorable Day, by Robert Taylor

A limited edition from the final drawing for Robert Taylor's third and final painting in his important Galland Tribute Trilogy. Each print has descriptive text personally hand-written by the artist.

Robert Taylor writes: "I met General Adolf Galland many times. In 1987 he and his wife Heidi did me the honor of flying from Germany to Washington DC to attend the opening of my exhibition of aviation paintings at the Smithsonian. We traveled together, and during the trip spent much time talking about aviation in World War II.

There were three episodes in his distinguished career that specially stood out in the memory of this great fighter leader, and he spoke of them with great pride. It is these three episodes that I chose to portray in my Galland Tribute Trilogy. I painted them in reverse chronological order, leaving 'till last the period of his career of which he spoke most fondly. General Galland signed each print in the suite.

Galland's Squadron of Experts, his JV-44 Wing flying the incredible Me262 in 1945, pioneered the jet age, and having led the first jet fighting unit in combat meant a great deal to Dolfo. I painted that first. Next, because he was immensely proud of the role he played, I painted the famous Channel Dash, Galland's first assignment as a newly promoted General. Lastly, because Dolfo was a fighter pilot through and through, I portrayed his beloved JG-26. I believe this period was dearest to his heart.

The subject for the painting came from a Pilot Report written by Adolf Galland describing his most memorable day as a combat pilot. Trying many different approaches and making many sketches, I completed a final drawing prior to starting the painting. Further research uncovered that Dolfo was in fact flying an Me109F model that day and not an E as I thought. When my publishers said they wanted to make a print from this drawing I decided I would like to hand write the descriptive notes on each copy before signing and numbering the prints. I have also individually signed a letter for collectors which comes with each print."

750 signed and numbered prints $595
75 Artist's Proofs $795

Overall print size: 331/4" x 251/2".
Image size: 27" x 16".

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As a special tribute to Adolf Galland, three leading Aces from JG-26 'The Abbeville Boys' have joined artist Robert Taylor and Galland in individually hand-signing each print in this significant edition.

General Adolf Galland, 1912 - 1996
Adolf Galland was already an inspirational fighter leader by the time World War II commenced, having been Staffelkapitän of 3./JG-88 in Spain. Galland fought in the formidable air battles over Poland and France, and on account of his success was posted to become Kommandeur of III./JG-26 in June 1940, and was appointed Kommodore of JG-26 on August 22, 1940. He led the 'Abbeville Boys' in combat against the very best of the RAF including Douglas Bader, Bob Stanford-Tuck, Sailor Malan and Johnnie Johnson. In 1941, at the age of only 29, he was promoted to Inspector General of the Fighter Arm, after the death of Molders; a position he held until the end of 1944.

Oberst JOHANNES NAUMANN
Johannes Naumann was a young Leutnant pilot with III./JG-26 at the beginning of the war and flew during all the campaigns of 1939 and 1940, including the Battle of Britain. He led 6./JG-26 on the Channel Front and later 7./JG-26. In March 1944 he was promoted Kommodore of II./JG-26. Later, in August, he became Kommandeur of II./JG-6 and joined JG-7 in April 1945. Johannes Naumann flew 450 combat missions, achieved 45 victories, all in the west and was awarded the Knight's Cross in 1944.

Major GERHARD SCHÖPFEL
Gerhard Schöpfel joined JG-26 straight from pilot school in 1938, and by the outbreak of war he was Staffelkapitän of 9./JG-26. Becoming Kommandeur of III./JG-26 in August 1940, he was one of the Luftwaffe's most successful Aces during the great air battles of that year. He succeeded Adolf Galland as Kommodore of JG-26 until January 1943. He was later Kommodore of JG-4, and JG-6 for the last months of the war. He flew over 700 combat missions, achieving 40 victories, all in the west, and was awarded the Knight's Cross in 1940.

Hauptmann OTTO STAMMBERGER
'Stotto' Stammberger joined the Luftwaffe at the commencement of World War II, and after pilot training joined 9./JG-26 in France. In 1942 he took part in the air cover for the Channel Dash, and later in the air battles over the Dieppe landings. In February 1943 'Stotto' was promoted Staffelkapitän of 4./JG-26, before being twice shot down, and then seriously injured in a crash. Returning to flying after months in hospital, he became Adjutant of I./JG-26. 'Stotto' flew 112 combat missions and was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class.