"LAST RODEO"
North American P-51 Mustang Mk.III, FB166, "PK-G", No. 315 ´Polish´ Fighter Squadron RAF
18th August 1944, pilot Cpt Eugeniusz ´Dziubek´ Horbaczewski
oil on canvas, 60x40 cm
original painting in personal collection

On 18 August 1944, at 7:20 a.m., a dozen "Mustangs" under Horbaczewski's lead took off from Branzett airbase, on fighter sweep "Rodeo 385". The mission target was in the area of Cormeilles-Romilly. When the Squadron was 13 km on north-east of Beauvais, Polish pilots noticed a group of sixty Fw 190 fighters of II./JG 26 taking off and landing. The Polish pilots had the advantage of altitude and surprise. In 10 minutes of heated battle, the 315th claimed 16 kills, 1 probable, and 3 damaged, while the II./JG 26 pilots claimed 6 (of which 3 were officially confirmed). Amazingly, none of the Polish "Mustangs" were hit by a single German bullet, except for the P-51 flown by the Squadron Leader. "Dziubek" destroyed three German fighters, but in the process, was shot down himself. His wingman, Lt. Bozydar Nowosielski, witnessed "Dziubek's" victories, but none of 315's pilots saw the moment "Dziubek" was shot down. When Lt. Eugeniusz Horbaczewski's "Mustang" crashed near the village of Vellennes, the pilot's final kill board read: 16 1/2 - 1 - 1. . Available as: Giclée reproduction Limited Giclée print edition Giclée reproduction on Hahnemühle Canvas Artist matte 340 gsm, 60x40 cm  price ... 60 EUR                                   place an ORDER Limited edition of 50, matting paper 230 gsm, format A2 (594x420 mm) English text price ... 25 EUR  Remarque is possible                      place an ORDER Shipping costs: prints:    EU -  5 EUR, outside EU - 10 EUR, delivery in around 2-3 weeks reproductions (rolled in the tube):    EU -  10 EUR, outside EU - till 20 EUR, delivery in around 2-3 weeks PAYMENT is supported by: PAYPAL, Western Union, Eurogiro, wireless bank transfer, money order check, cash