'Big Week' 1944

Online Catalogue | Historical Art | Second World War Art | Second World War Original Paintings by Graham Turner | 'Big Week' 1944

These are original paintings by Graham Turner, painted in gouache on watercolour board for the Osprey book ''Big Week' 1944'. They are unique pieces of hand-painted artwork by this well known historical artist.

B-17 - Painting by Graham Turner from Osprey book 'Big Week' 1944

Above and Beyond the Call of Duty. Leipzig - 20th February 1944 Ref: GT-27A

During the Eighth Air Force's attack on the Messerschmitt factories at Leipzig on 20th February 1944, B17 bombers of 305th BG are attacked by Messerschmitt 109Gs from I/JG 301, led by Major Walter Brede. B-17G 42-38109, nicknamed 'Cabin in the Sky', reels from the devastating head-on attack that killed the co-pilot, wounded the pilot and seven other crewmembers, and set the number two engine on fire.

The pilot - 1st Lt William Lawley - fought to control the severely damaged aircraft as it plummeted from the formation, regaining control at 12,000 ft. To save his wounded crewmen, two of whom were too severely wounded to bail out, he then flew the bomber back to England and crash-landed at RAF Redhill. For his selfless and heroic actions, Lawley was awarded the Medal of Honor, America's highest award for bravery and sacrifice 'above and beyond the call of duty'.

His Medal of Honor citation reads, 'Because of the helpless condition of his wounded crew members 1st Lt. Lawley elected to remain with the ship and bring them to safety if it was humanly possible. Enemy fighters again attacked but by using masterful evasive action he managed to lose them. 1st Lt. Lawley remained at his post, refusing first aid until he collapsed from sheer exhaustion caused by loss of blood, shock, and the energy he had expended in keeping control of his plane. He was revived by the bombardier and again took over the controls. Coming over the English coast (one) engine started to burn and continued to do so until a successful crash landing was made on a small fighter base. Through his heroism and exceptional flying skill, 1st Lt. Lawley rendered outstanding distinguished and valorous service to our Nation.'

Gouache painting by Graham Turner - image size 19"x 13" (48 x 33cm)

click on image to enlarge

Price: £750.00

Me 410 Hornet - Painting by Graham Turner from Osprey book 'Big Week' 1944

Death of the Zerstörer King - 22nd February 1944 Ref: GT-27B

With 35 confirmed victories, 24-year-old Hauptmann Eduard Tratt was the highest scoring Zerstörer pilot in WW2, flying twin-engined fighters during the invasion of Poland, the Battle of Britain, and in Russia, before being killed on 22nd February 1944 when his Me 410 Hornet was brought down by the P-51 Mustang of Captain Jack T Bradley (CO of 353rd FS).

During the engagement, Bradley's wingman, Lieutenant Wah Kau Kong, was hit by cannon fire from a Me 110G and exploded in mid-air.

Gouache painting by Graham Turner - image size 19"x 13" (48 x 33cm)

click on image to enlarge

Price: £750.00

P-47D Thunderbolt - Painting by Graham Turner from Osprey book 'Big Week' 1944

Thunderbolt Attack - 22nd February 1944 Ref: GT-27C

Passing fast and low across Bonn-Hangelar airfield in his powerful P-47D Thunderbolt, Captain Gordon Compton's guns find their target as he strafes a line of Focke Wulf 190s. In the background Major Walter Beckham pulls up having destroyed a line of Junkers 88s.

Compton later recalled - ''As I closed I saw three FW 190s parked close together. I strafed and saw hits on all three, and saw one burst into flames. I pulled up off the target, turning about 90 degrees to the left and heard Major Beckham say that he'd been hit, was on fire and for everyone to get out. I was about 500 feet high at this time and saw tracers coming from every direction, also flak was bursting uncomfortably close, so I hit the deck.' Beckham bailed out of his stricken Thunderbolt and was captured.

Gouache painting by Graham Turner - image size 19"x 13" (48 x 33cm)

click on image to enlarge

Price: £750.00

Purchasing an Original Painting

Graham Turner's Original Paintings are offered for sale by the artist himself, so if you are interested in purchasing an original painting, please email Graham Turner at graham@studio88.co.uk to discuss the purchase.

The cost of shipping original paintings varies, depending on their size, value and destination. Our usual shipping rates do not apply, but we would be happy to provide a quote for shipping to your address if required.

CLICK HERE for more information about buying an original.

Paintings are priced unframed. Copyright is retained by Osprey Publishing.

P-47D Thunderbolt - Detail from a painting by Graham Turner from Osprey book 'Big Week' 1944