War...War Never Changes
Noel Steele
Oil on Canvas
h 16" x w 18"
Imagine yourself having 40-60 kilos strapped onto you, having to waddle with a bag of equipment between your legs. Then, either loaded into a C-47 Dakota or towed behind one in a glider. It's cold, turbulent and there's anti-aircraft Flak exploding around you. The jump master throws on the switch for the red light to jump, and you have no idea if you're even going to make it out the door, let alone the designated drop zone. Thousands upon thousands of men did this in WWII in the two largest airborne drops to date occurred on D-Day and the ill fated Operation Market Garden. Veterans rarely talk in detail about their experiences, although it's not hard to see the weight carried by the subject of this painting.
