Military Aviation Art
Leutnant der Reserve Werner Voss, from Krefeld,
Germany, was Germany’s 4th highest ranking ace of World War 1. With 48
kills to his credit he is still considered by many to be the greatest
pilot of that war, having skills that even surpassed Manfred von
Richthofen, the “Red Baron”. On September 23, 1917 he became involved
in what is known to be one of the greatest dogfights of World War 1. While
out on patrol he came across a flight of six British SE5’s from 56
Squadron, each flown by a famous ace. For over ten minutes Voss
singlehandedly fought the aces without retreating. He inflicted
considerable damage on all five aircraft before his own engine finally
seized and he was sent plummeting to the ground by Lt. Arthur Rhys-Davids.
Major James McCudden, who was also involved in the fight, said of him
later, “His flying was wonderful, his courage magnificent and in my own
opinion he is the bravest German airman whom it has been my privilege to
see fight.”Leutnant Werner Voss was just 20 years old.
Printed on acid free stock with fade
resistant inks, the print is signed by Russell Smith.
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