WWII German Oil Painting of Luftwaffe & RAF Dogfight (Knight's Cross Recipient)
This is an original WWII German oil painting on board. It was discovered in a private collection in Windhoek, Namibia (formerly German South West Africa) and is believed to depict Windhoek-native, Luftwaffe Ace, and Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves recipient, Oberstleutnant (Major) Wolfgang Schenck. View the Veteran's Information Section for more details regarding Schenck's life and military service. Wartime paintings of combat are quite uncommon and those showing German victories especially so. The composition is quite interesting - the immediate aftermath of a dogfight between Schenck's Messerschmitt Bf 109 and an ill-fated RAF Spitfire. Although a fiery scene, the painting showcases the rather gentlemanly nature of aerial combat at the time. Rather than driving his opponent into the ground/sea, Schenck is content with leaving the Spitfire, knowing it no longer poses a threat. The dimensions are 24.5" x 18.75", including the approximately 1" black border. It is unsigned, however the reverse bears a yellow marking, "Stil" (German for "Style"), which was likely the art supplies store's branding. Unfortunately, its original frame stayed behind in Namibia as it was too large to pack, however we can provide its new owner with a photograph of it if they wish to source a faithful replacement.
Veteran's Information
Oberstleutnant (Major) Wolfgang Schenck was born on February 7, 1913 in Windhoek, German South West Africa. He had an extensive military career that cannot be done justice within this short paragraph. Among many other exploits, he served as a Staffelkapitän (squadron leader) within SKG 210 (Schnellkampfgeschwader 210), which was active from 1941-1942 and then as Gruppenkommandeur (group commander) of ZG 1 (Zerstörergeschwader 1). This painting likely depicts Schenck's service in ZG 1, as this unit was known to use Bf 109s during the North African Campaign. Schenck distinguished himself and received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves on August 14, 1941 following nine aerial victories and even served as the commanding officer of KG 51 (Kampfgeschwader 51) from December 5, 1944 to January 31, 1944. Oberstleutnant Schenck survived the war, more than doubled his aerial victories from the time he received his Oak Leaves, and by war's end had flown well over 400 missions - 40 of which were in the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft, the Messerschmitt Me 262. Oberstleutnant Schenck died on March 5, 2010 in Marburg, Germany.
