The Straggler by Frank Wootton features the Me109 of Adolf Galland and the Spitfire of Johnnie Johnson.

In the late summer of 1943, the United States 8th Army Air Force was striving to prove its long held theory of daylight bombing over Germany and suffered some heavy casualties when, on occasions, no less than one-fifth of the bombers were brought down. Nevertheless, despite the lack of a long range escort - for the splendid P-51 Mustang did not make its appearance until the following year - the 'Mighty Eighth' pressed on against the formidable Germany fighter defences and their losses were such that a B-17 navigator wrote, “it seemed that we were littering Europe with our dead.”

On every daylight raid over Germany there were a few stragglers who, damaged by fighters or flak, or both, tried to make the hazardous flight back to the UK, and the farther they fell back from the main formation, the more vulnerable they became to prowling and aggressive German fighters.

In this classic painting, Frank Wootton captures superbly all the drama and skill of air fighting as the General of Fighters himself, Adolf Galland, and Johnnie Johnson circle warily over a damaged B-17, each watching for an opening and both very much aware that other fighters, whether friendly or hostile, could at any time join the party.

The Straggler by Frank Wootton is signed by two legendary fighter Aces:
Air Vice Marshal JOHNNIE JOHNSON CB CBE DSO** DFC* / 38 victories
Generalleutnant ADOLF GALLAND – Knights Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords & Diamonds / 104 victories.

Condition: this print has a couple of soft handling kinks in the right hand white border area, they would be concealed by framing. There is another soft handling kink in the lower white border, it is about 1.5 cm long and although it would not be covered by framing it is so mild that it would not be noticeable behind the glass. Otherwise the print is in top condition, it has never been framed and has been stored flat and dark at room temperature - the image area is in perfect condition with no fading. It does not come with a CoA but we can provide our own letter confirming its authenticity. 

Published in 1991 this print sold out some time ago and is increasingly difficult to find on the secondary market.

Normal price for a perfect example of this print would be around £250-300