"Bear Trap"
Sheet Size: 24" x 34" • © 1999
Artist's Proof with 2 co-signatures Sold Out
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Signatures
Oscar Boesch
Horst Petzschler
The Story
By the autumn of 1943 the eastern front was in a desperate predicament for
Germany. Crippled with a Fuhrer who insisted upon making battle plans with a
disregard for his generals' warnings, the German army endured unbelievable
hardships. In addition to facing another brutal Russian winter, battling on two
fronts was draining her ability to combat her foe to the east.
Russia, supported by bustling war factories safe in the Ural Mountains, had allies
who were sending war materials to her growing army and air forces. The tide of
battle had taken a bad turn for the Wehrmacht.
But despite the mounting pressure and defeats, the Germans put up a stiff
resistance as they retreated further west toward their homeland. The superior
training, from Field Marshall on down to the regular foot soldier, allowed the
Germans to withdraw in an orderly fashion across natural obstacles that otherwise
could have proved disastrous.
Supported by an overtaxed Lufwaffe, the German army put up a valiant fight. Air
cover and ground attack units of the German air force had spent many years
working out their mutually supportive roles that had their origins in the Spanish
Civil War.
In Robert Bailey's painting, BEAR TRAP, German field artillery has surprised an
advancing Russian armored column near the town of Smolensk during October
1943.
Panzers clash with Russian T34's. In the foreground, a T34 is still racing forward,
a blazing wreck. Around the perimeter of the forest clearing are dug-in German
positions, firing upon the Russians. Low left, three Russian soldiers sneak up
behind German tanks. In right mid-ground, another T34 is abandoned by its crew.
The shadow of the giant explosions in the background partly conceals the stalled
Russian column, as troops mill around.
Above the ground battle, Stukas from Schlachtgeschwader 2 (Oberst Hans Ulrich
Rudel*), escorted by Focke Wulf 190's of JG51 (Horst Petzschier), pound the
Russian armor with cannon and bombs, effectively halting the advance of their foe.
Near the horizon, Yak-9s swarm into th frav, and a Sturmovik spots a Ju52 which
is dropping supplies to a German unit in a nearby battle. As the Russians reel in
the shock of the ambush, the Germans have resisted the charge of the Russian
Bear, if only in a momentary victory.
* Oberst Hans Ulrich Rudel was the sole recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron
Cross, with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds.
Oscar Boesch
Horst Petzschler
The Story
By the autumn of 1943 the eastern front was in a desperate predicament for
Germany. Crippled with a Fuhrer who insisted upon making battle plans with a
disregard for his generals' warnings, the German army endured unbelievable
hardships. In addition to facing another brutal Russian winter, battling on two
fronts was draining her ability to combat her foe to the east.
Russia, supported by bustling war factories safe in the Ural Mountains, had allies
who were sending war materials to her growing army and air forces. The tide of
battle had taken a bad turn for the Wehrmacht.
But despite the mounting pressure and defeats, the Germans put up a stiff
resistance as they retreated further west toward their homeland. The superior
training, from Field Marshall on down to the regular foot soldier, allowed the
Germans to withdraw in an orderly fashion across natural obstacles that otherwise
could have proved disastrous.
Supported by an overtaxed Lufwaffe, the German army put up a valiant fight. Air
cover and ground attack units of the German air force had spent many years
working out their mutually supportive roles that had their origins in the Spanish
Civil War.
In Robert Bailey's painting, BEAR TRAP, German field artillery has surprised an
advancing Russian armored column near the town of Smolensk during October
1943.
Panzers clash with Russian T34's. In the foreground, a T34 is still racing forward,
a blazing wreck. Around the perimeter of the forest clearing are dug-in German
positions, firing upon the Russians. Low left, three Russian soldiers sneak up
behind German tanks. In right mid-ground, another T34 is abandoned by its crew.
The shadow of the giant explosions in the background partly conceals the stalled
Russian column, as troops mill around.
Above the ground battle, Stukas from Schlachtgeschwader 2 (Oberst Hans Ulrich
Rudel*), escorted by Focke Wulf 190's of JG51 (Horst Petzschier), pound the
Russian armor with cannon and bombs, effectively halting the advance of their foe.
Near the horizon, Yak-9s swarm into th frav, and a Sturmovik spots a Ju52 which
is dropping supplies to a German unit in a nearby battle. As the Russians reel in
the shock of the ambush, the Germans have resisted the charge of the Russian
Bear, if only in a momentary victory.
* Oberst Hans Ulrich Rudel was the sole recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron
Cross, with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds.
Here at Ozark Airfield Artworks we offer a large selection art prints. These prints
mainly depict modern and historic aviation along with military, civil and space flight. We
also deal with naval subjects and military armor and infantry works. These prints are
from all the top national and international artists along with some local artists. Many of
our prints are signed by the artist and by famous pilots and veterans. If you are looking
for a specific plane, pilot, artist or subject please contact us.
mainly depict modern and historic aviation along with military, civil and space flight. We
also deal with naval subjects and military armor and infantry works. These prints are
from all the top national and international artists along with some local artists. Many of
our prints are signed by the artist and by famous pilots and veterans. If you are looking
for a specific plane, pilot, artist or subject please contact us.
Copyright © Ozark Airfield Artworks 2005 All Rights Reserved
All images are copyrighted by the individual artist and may not be
reproduced without their consent.
reproduced without their consent.
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