|
Shown is the famous aerial encounter between Ernst Udet and
Georges Guynemer. Both were out alone when they came across each
other in the sky. A fight ensued which lasted for many minutes.
After a long standoff, Udet finally drew a bead on Guynemer only
to have his guns jam. Being defenseless at that point, Udet though
himself a sitting duck. He beat on his guns with his fists in
an attempt to unstop them, all the while antcipating the lethal
shot from Guynemer. To his surprise, however, the unexpected
happens - “For a moment I have let go of the stick and hammer
the receiver with both fists. A primitive expedient, but sometimes
it works. Guynemer has observed this from above, he must have
seen it, and now he knows what gives with me. I’m helpless
prey. Again he skims over me, almost on his back. Then it happens:
He sticks out his hand and waves to me, waves lightly, and dives
to the west in the direction of his lines. I fly home. I’m
numb.”
Signed by the artist. |
|