GERMAN WWII LUFTWAFFE OAK LEAVES WINNER FIGHTER PILOT PAINTING.

A most magnificent painting, oil on canvas, measuring 59 x 76cm within a frame measuring 73 x 90cm. The painting is an excellent image of Oberst Gustav Rodel painted in 1944, the frame to the painting is the original to it showing Rodel seated, half bust wearing the Luftwaffe leather flight jacket that is the upper part of the two-piece leather suit with purple velvet collar. Oberstleutnant Rodel hatless with his Knights Cross and Oak Leaves at neck with good clear swastika to the centre of the Knights Cross. The painting is signed ‘Dabler 44’. Gustav Rodel born October 1915, he joined the Luftwaffe in 1935, trained as a fighter pilot, participated in the Spanish Civil War with the Condor Legion. He operated with JG21 on the outbreak of war in September 1939 and was involved in the Battle of Poland, the Battle of Belgium and France where he had a total of 4 victories. In July 1940 Rodel moved to 4th Staffell JG27 and was credited with 10 victories in the Battle of Britain, later transferring to the Mediterranean theatre and then briefly posted to the Russian Front. Returned to JG27 in North Africa seeing action over Sicily and Southern Italy. In June 43 just before North Africa he was awarded the Knights Cross on the 25th June 1941 and then reposted to North Africa seeing action over Sicily in Southern Italy. On the 20th June 1943 he was awarded the Oak Leaves for the Knights Cross for 78 victories. Later moving to JG27 for the defense of Germany and was involved in the Battle of Normandy and claimed his 98th and final victory on the 5th July 1944. Rodel was credited with 97 victories against the western allies and a single victory over Soviet Air Forces. In over 980 combat missions he flew in the Messerschmitt BF109. In 1957 Rodel joined the Bundes Luftwaffe, he retired on the 30th September 1971 holding the rank of General. Google has an immense amount of detail regarding this pilot and the history of himself and his unit in WWII, he fought on every battlefront. Over the past 45 years we have always been searching for Luftwaffe fighter pilot paintings, we have only ever found 2, they are extremely rare.

Code: 80290