"R-Bar Over Bielefeld"
On 2 November, 1944, B-24’s of the 489th BG were sent to destroy
the railroad marshalling yards at Bielefeld Germany. The Liberators
were met by the new German jet fighters, the Messerschmitt Me-262.
It is believed to be one of the earliest jet attacks against U.S. heavy
bombers. This was the 489th's first encounter with the Me-262,
although rumors had been circulating through the squadrons during
the preceding weeks about the strange new German aircraft.
As "R-Bar" was leading the high element off the bombing run, pilots
and crew could see some aircraft circling in a lazy eight pattern high
above and in front of them . Suddenly, as if on cue, the jets, believed
to be from III/ EJG 2 based at Lechfeld, came diving down through
the bombers with blinding speed. The jets were only able to
complete one firing pass before they were chased off by P-47
Thunderbolts that were escorting the bombers.
The high rate of closing speed in a head on attack had made it
almost impossible for the new jets to hit anything. The frontal attack
was soon discarded by the Luftwaffe and a rear attack tactic was
adopted which gave the jets more time to acquire a target and fire
their guns and rockets.
In the brief encounter depicted in "R-Bar Over Bielefeld", one B-24
has an engine that is smoking due to flak damage which occurred
previously while on the bomb run, however all aircraft made it home
safely on this day with no losses on either side.
the railroad marshalling yards at Bielefeld Germany. The Liberators
were met by the new German jet fighters, the Messerschmitt Me-262.
It is believed to be one of the earliest jet attacks against U.S. heavy
bombers. This was the 489th's first encounter with the Me-262,
although rumors had been circulating through the squadrons during
the preceding weeks about the strange new German aircraft.
As "R-Bar" was leading the high element off the bombing run, pilots
and crew could see some aircraft circling in a lazy eight pattern high
above and in front of them . Suddenly, as if on cue, the jets, believed
to be from III/ EJG 2 based at Lechfeld, came diving down through
the bombers with blinding speed. The jets were only able to
complete one firing pass before they were chased off by P-47
Thunderbolts that were escorting the bombers.
The high rate of closing speed in a head on attack had made it
almost impossible for the new jets to hit anything. The frontal attack
was soon discarded by the Luftwaffe and a rear attack tactic was
adopted which gave the jets more time to acquire a target and fire
their guns and rockets.
In the brief encounter depicted in "R-Bar Over Bielefeld", one B-24
has an engine that is smoking due to flak damage which occurred
previously while on the bomb run, however all aircraft made it home
safely on this day with no losses on either side.
L/E of 900, 19 x 25 inches
Signed by artist
$125.00 Remarque: add $75.00
Signed by artist
$125.00 Remarque: add $75.00
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.
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.
Copyright © Ozark Airfield Artworks 2005 All Rights Reserved
All images are copyrighted by the individual artist and may
not be reproduced without their consent.
not be reproduced without their consent.
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