New painting - Quentin Roosevelt's Nieuport 28

[Russell Smith]

One of Us was created as the cover art for the upcoming autumn 2012 issue of Over the Front. The piece features the final moments of Quentin Roosevelt, the youngest son of President Teddy Roosevelt. The details of Roosevelt's final moments are spotty. On the morning of July 14, 1918 Roosevelt was part of an 8 plane patrol which came across a flight of DVIIs of Jasta 50. Years later, James Knowles, who was also involved in that engagement, gave this vivid account of that engagement - By the time we were ready to leave the Aerodrome, the clouds had gathered and thickened until the blue of the sky could only be seen in spots. . . . Quentin and I picked a machine apiece and immediately attacked. Our opponents dove, and we followed them, not realizing that they were luring us down into a position from which we could be attacked by the remaining Huns above us. The other more experienced pilots had pulled up after a short burst, maintaining their superior position. When they saw our predicament, they dove again, and fourteen machines mixed in a general mêlée, rolling and circling and diving some on their backs and others cocked up at an angle of 90 degrees, but all trying to get in a burst and still remain out of range [of the enemy]. The sky looked as if it were covered with a huge tangled cobweb, which in reality was caused by the white trails left by the incendiary bullets. Unfortunately, none of the other 95th Aero pilots actually saw Roosevelt go down.

It was Jasta 50, based at Rocort - Saint-Martin, near Coincy, that was responsible for bringing down Quentin Roosevelt on 14 July. Vzfw. Carl Emil Gräper is credited with the actual victory. Jasta 50's squadron markings included white tails with black stripes. Only a few photos of the squadron are known to exist, however, so personal pilot markings are largely unknown. Thus, for this piece I simply improvised Grevan's personal markings.

Alan Toelle did the primary research on this project, with a little help, I believe, from Greg VanWyngarden on the Jasta 50 markings. I've read Alan's article on the event, which, of course, will be featured in the same issue of Over the Front. In Alan's usual style it is meticulously researched and detailed. I would encourage everyone to get this issue.

The painting captures the feel of the melee as described by Knowles, while at the same time placing Roosevelt in a position where none of his squadron mates could see him. The title, One of Us, is based on a comment made by Harold Buckley in his book Squadron 95: Roosevelt was one of us. This is the greatest compliment we can pay him and the one which would have pleased him most.

[The Inspector]

Both paintings are wonderful, thank you for sharing them.

[Russell Smith]

Thanks inspector.

[Sasquatch]

What Inspector said, Russ...really gorgeous stuff, especially that Sopwith (love the shine on the canvas underwing!). Thanks for showing your beautiful work!



--Tom

[Russell Smith]

Thanks Sasquatch!