Michael Wittmann's Stug III in the Balkans Campaign
by
Barry Spicer
In this third painting of the Wittmann Triology, Barry Spicer brings us this scene in which the scouts of the Leibstandarte Aufklarungs detachment pause to survey the ground ahead in their drive through the centre of Greece.
For the Grenadiers in their half-tracks and the Panzers manning the assault guns, this was certainly a welcomed change from the near zero temperatures, the mud, the almost constant rain and the savage fighting of the Klidi and Klissura passes now behind them in the north. This Arcadian landscape was more like their expectations of rural Greece than anything they had seen so far.
Overhead, a kette of Henschel HS 123 dive bombers of Schlact LG2 snarl off in search of resistance hot spots, but at this point the Commonwealth troops from Australia and New Zealand are withdrawing to form new defence lines further south.
Michael Wittmann, commanding the Sturmgeschutz IIIA in the foreground, sits above the commander's hatch as he passes instructions to his loader, Petersen, in the starboard hatch. As soon as the half-tracks go into action to investigate the farmstead below, the Stugs will pivot to the right to cover the target area.
The Balkans campaign was a learning experience for Michael, recently promoted to command a new vehicle and weapons system, he has risen to the challenge and gained mastery over the many foibles of his machine. Michael's ability to adapt and apply himself to refine his techniques and to broaden his knowledge allowed him to achieve excellence and success, and eventually, as we will see, to become the greatest tank commander of all times.

All prints signed by Barry Spicer.

650 S/N Prints, 65 Artist Proof and 30 Remarques
Overall Size: 31" x 21"

S/N Price: $130.00 [Order] [Checkout]
Artist Proof Price: $175.00 [Order] [Checkout]
Remarques Price: $250.00 [Order] [Checkout]

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