Ready to purchase from our secure site? Click the editions below. Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £95.00 Signed limited edition of 50 artist proofs. £135.00 Erwin Kressmann Knights Cross signature series edition of 25 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. SOLD OUT Norbert Kujacinski Knights Cross signature series edition of 14 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £145.00 Franz-Wilhlem Lochmann Tank Ace signature series edition of 50 prints (Nos 326 - 275) from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £145.00 Limited edition of 50 giclee canva prints. £480.00 Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. £370.00 Original painting by David Pentland. £3200.00 Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm) £2.00

The Last Battle, Berlin, 30th April 1945 by David Pentland. Unterscharfurher Karl-Heinz Turk of the Schwere SS Panzerabteilung 503, in one of the units few remaining Kingtigers, defends the Potsdammer Platz along with elements of the Munchberg Division against the rapidly encroaching Soviet forces. Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £95.00 Signed limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm) . Price £135.00 Erwin Kressmann Knights Cross signature series edition of 25 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £ Signed by Erwin Kressmann. Norbert Kujacinski Knights Cross signature series edition of 14 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £145.00 Signed by Norbert Kujacinski (deceased). Franz-Wilhlem Lochmann Tank Ace signature series edition of 50 prints (Nos 326 - 275) from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £145.00 Signed by Unteroffizier Dr Franz-Wilhelm Lochmann. Limited edition of 50 giclee canva prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91.5cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 Original painting by David Pentland. Size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £3200.00 Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00 ITEM CODE DHM1179 Related Items and Offers: Click Images for Details Buy With This For Only : £180 Blenheim Mk.IVF of No.68 Sqn by Ivan Berryman. Item Price : £80

Ready to purchase from our secure site? Click the editions below. Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £95.00 Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. £135.00 Georg Diers signature edition of 40 prints from the edition of 50 artist proofs. £180.00 Gerhard Fischer Knights Cross signature series edition of 20 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £145.00 Erwin Kressmann Knights Cross signature series edition of 20 prints (Nos 21 - 40) from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £145.00 Norbert Kujacinski Knights Cross signature series edition of 20 prints (Nos 921 to 940) from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £145.00 Franz-Wilhlem Lochmann Tank Ace signature series edition of 20 prints (Nos 901 - 920) from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £145.00 Georg Diers signature edition of 260 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £145.00 Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. £480.00 Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. £370.00 Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm) £2.00

Defence of the Reichstag, Berlin, 1st May 1945 by David Pentland. On the 30th April, Untersharfuhrer Georg Diers and his crew of tank 314, were ordered to take up a defensive position at the Reichstag buildings. This was one of only two remaining King Tigers belonging to Heavy SS Tank Battalion 503 in Berlin. By that evening they had knocked out about 30 T34s, and the following day led a successful counterattack against the Kroll Opera House directly opposite the Reichstag. Their efforts though, merely postponed the inevitable and by the end of the day the order was given to abandon the position and prepare to break out of Berlin. Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £95.00 Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £135.00 Georg Diers signature edition of 40 prints from the edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £180.00 Signed by Untersharfuhrer Georg Diers. Gerhard Fischer Knights Cross signature series edition of 20 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £145.00 Signed by Gerhard Fischer. Erwin Kressmann Knights Cross signature series edition of 20 prints (Nos 21 - 40) from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £145.00 Signed by Erwin Kressmann. Norbert Kujacinski Knights Cross signature series edition of 20 prints (Nos 921 to 940) from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £145.00 Signed by Norbert Kujacinski (deceased). Franz-Wilhlem Lochmann Tank Ace signature series edition of 20 prints (Nos 901 - 920) from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £145.00 Signed by Unteroffizier Dr Franz-Wilhelm Lochmann. Georg Diers signature edition of 260 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £145.00 Signed by Untersharfuhrer Georg Diers. Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91.5cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00 ITEM CODE DHM1109 Related Items and Offers: Click Images for Details Buy With This For Only : £180 Panther at the Zoo, Tiergarten, berlin, 2nd May 1945 by David Pentland. Buy With This For Only : £180

Ready to purchase from our secure site? Click the editions below. Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £95.00 Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. £135.00 Gerhard Fischer Knights Cross signature series edition of 20 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £145.00 Alfred Rubbel Knights Cross signature edition of 25 prints, from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £145.00 Erwin Kressmann Knights Cross signature series edition of 20 prints (Nos 621 - 640) from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £145.00 Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. £480.00 Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. £370.00 Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm) £2.00

Kampfgruppe Peiper by David Pentland. Oberssturmbannfuhrer Jochim Peiper, commander of the armoured spearhead of 1st SS Panzer Division, in conference with some of the officers of other units under his command. Aside form men and tanks of his own division, these included King tigers of the 501st heavy tank battalion and paratroops of 1st battalion, 9th Fallschrimjager regiment. Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £95.00 Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £135.00 Gerhard Fischer Knights Cross signature series edition of 20 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £145.00 Signed by Gerhard Fischer. Alfred Rubbel Knights Cross signature edition of 25 prints, from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £145.00 Signed by Oberstleutnant Alfred Rubbel. Erwin Kressmann Knights Cross signature series edition of 20 prints (Nos 621 - 640) from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £145.00 Erwin Kressmann. Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91.5cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00 ITEM CODE DHM0846 Related Items and Offers: Click Images for Details Buy With This For Only : £180 Bismarck by Ivan Berryman. (APC) Item Price : £350

Ready to purchase from our secure site? Click the editions below. Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £95.00 Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. £135.00 Alfred Rubbel Knights Cross signature edition of 25 prints, from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £145.00 Knights Cross Presentation Edition of 5 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints, supplied double mounted. £300.00 Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. £480.00 Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. £370.00 Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm) £2.00

Finale at Arnhem, Holand, 24th September 1944 by David Pentland. In the predawn light the last Pz.Kpfw. VI Tiger II (Kingtigers) of 2nd Company 506th Heavy Tank Battalion, drive south across the Arnhem bridge to prepare for the upcoming counter-attack to retake Elst and the Nymegen road bridge. Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £95.00 Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £135.00 Alfred Rubbel Knights Cross signature edition of 25 prints, from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £145.00 Signed by Oberstleutnant Alfred Rubbel. Knights Cross Presentation Edition of 5 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints, supplied double mounted. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £300.00 Features the mounted original signatures of Paul Egger (deceased), Hugo Eichorn and Han Hossfelder. Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91.5cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00 ITEM CODE DHM1104 Related Items and Offers: Click Images for Details Buy With This For Only : £180 Operation Nimrod, 5th May 1980 by David Pentland. (B) Item Price : £140

Ready to purchase from our secure site? Click the editions below. Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £95.00 Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. £135.00 Knights Cross Presentation Edition of 3 artist proofs from the limited edition of 50 artist proofs, supplied double mounted. £300.00 Norbert Kujacinski Knights Cross signature series edition of 20 prints (Nos 346 to 365) from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £145.00 Franz-Wilhlem Lochmann Tank Ace signature series edition of 50 prints (Nos 326 - 375) from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £145.00 Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm) £2.00

Tigers in the Mist by David Pentland. King Tigers of Kampfgruppe von Rosen, 3rd Company Heavy Tank Battalion 503, preparing to move out from the Tisza bridgehead to counter Soviet pressure on German forces attacking to the northwest at Debrecen during the first battles to defend the Hungarian capital of Budapest. Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £95.00 Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £135.00 Knights Cross Presentation Edition of 3 artist proofs from the limited edition of 50 artist proofs, supplied double mounted. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £300.00 Features the mounted original signatures of Otto Kumm (deceased), Paul Egger (deceased) and Hans Hossfelder. Norbert Kujacinski Knights Cross signature series edition of 20 prints (Nos 346 to 365) from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm) . Price £145.00 Signed by Norbert Kujacinski (deceased). Franz-Wilhlem Lochmann Tank Ace signature series edition of 50 prints (Nos 326 - 375) from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £145.00 Signed by Unteroffizier Dr Franz-Wilhelm Lochmann. Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00 ITEM CODE DHM0794 Related Items and Offers: Click Images for Details Buy With This For Only : £180 Bismarck Print Pack Item Price : £320

Ready to purchase from our secure site? Click the editions below. Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £95.00 Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. £165.00 Four Signature Presentation Proof edition of 5 prints from the limited edition of 50 artist proofs. £340.00 Two Signature Presentation Proof of 5 prints from the limited edition of 50 artist proofs. £250.00 Gorman signature edition of 150 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £145.00 Franz-Wilhlem Lochmann Tank Ace signature series edition of 20 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £145.00 Alfred Rubbel Knights Cross signature edition of 100 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. £145.00 Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. £480.00 Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. £370.00 Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm) £2.00

Prepare to Ram, Operation Goodwood, normandy, 18th July 1944 by David Pentland. While probing forward near Cagny on the initial day of the Goodwood offensive, Lt John Gorman, a troop commander of 2nd Armoured Battalion, Irish Guards, suddenly found himself confronted by a Tiger II and three Tiger Is of the elite 503rd Heavy Tank Battalion. Supported by only one other Sherman, and aware that their 75mm guns would be ineffective against such monsters, he gave the order to his driver to ram the King tiger. Gormans tank Ballyragget succeeded in colliding with its target before the Tigers 88mm gun could be brought to bear on his Sherman, and with both tanks immobilised the crews quickly abandoned their tanks. Lt. Gorman, however, was not finished and making his way off the field, he returned shortly afterwards with a Sherman Firefly, to finish off the stricken Tiger II and one of the Tiger Is. For this action he was awarded the Military Cross, and his driver L/Cpl Baron the Military Medal. Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £95.00 Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm) . Price £165.00 Signed by Lt John Gorman. Four Signature Presentation Proof edition of 5 prints from the limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £340.00 Signed by Oberstleutnant Alfred Rubbel, Lt John Gorman - (mounted) Paul Egger (deceased) - (mounted) and Albert Kerscher - (mounted) Two Signature Presentation Proof of 5 prints from the limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £250.00 Signed by Oberstleutnant Alfred Rubbel and Lt John Gorman - (mounted) Gorman signature edition of 150 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £145.00 Signed by Lt John Gorman. Franz-Wilhlem Lochmann Tank Ace signature series edition of 20 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £145.00 Signed by Unteroffizier Dr Franz-Wilhelm Lochmann. Alfred Rubbel Knights Cross signature edition of 100 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 16.5 inches (64cm x 42cm). Price £145.00 Signed by Oberstleutnant Alfred Rubbel. Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91.5cm x 61cm). Price £480.00 Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00 Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00 ITEM CODE DHM1026 Related Items and Offers: Click Images for Details Debut at Caumont, Normandy, 30th July 1944 by David Pentland. Buy With This For Only : £180 Summer 1940 by Ivan Berryman. (B) Item Price : £80

Ready to purchase from our secure site? Click the editions below. Signed edition. £51.00 Signed limited edition of 50 artist proofs. £95.00

Konigstiger by Randall Wilson. Panzer Ampfwagen VI Ausf B. Signed edition. Image size 26.5 inches x 15.5 inches (64cm x 39cm). Price £51.00 Signed limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 26.5 inches x 15.5 inches (64cm x 39cm). Price £95.00 ITEM CODE B0002 Related Items and Offers: Click Images for Details Capitaine Rene Fonck by Ivan Berryman. Item Price : £135 Four Halifax Bomber Prints. Item Price : £290

Ready to purchase from our secure site? Click the editions below. Signed limited edition of 500 prints. £200.00 Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. £230.00 Limited edition of 25 publishers proofs. £180.00 Nicolas Trudgian Promotional Flyer. £1.50 Remarque edition of 50 prints. SOLD OUT ** (Ex Display) Signed limited edition of 500 prints. (Three copies reduced to clear) £130.00

Ardennes Offensive by Nicolas Trudgian. As 1944 drew to a close, Hitler made his final gamble of the war, mounting a massive strike force aimed at splitting the Allies forces advancing upon Germany. His armour, supported from the air, would rip through the Ardennes to Antwerp, capture the Allied fuel supplies, and cut off all the opposing forces to the north. Hitlers commanders were dubious of the outcome but nevertheless obeyed orders, and the operation was launched on 16th December. Allied intelligence had discounted any German counter-offensive and the initial wave, comprising 8 Panzer divisions, took the Allied forces completely by surprise. A parachute drop of English-speaking German soldiers in American uniforms behind the assault zone added to the confusion. Advancing some 30 miles, and almost in sight of the River Meuse, by 26th December the SS Panzers had ground to a halt with empty fuel tanks, and were at the mercy of Allied counter-attacks. By 16th January the German penetration was repulsed and Hitlers beloved Panzer units retreated in tatters. The Fuhrers last gamble had failed. Fw190s of JG1 provide close support to the 9th SS Panzer Division, as they spearhead Germanys final major offensive of World War II. Seen advancing on the 82nd Airborne Division, the King Tiger tanks, with the aid of Luftwaffe ground-attack fighters, drive the Americans back through the snowy fields of the Ardennes on Christmas Day, 1944. It was the last, short-lived and ultimately unsuccessful advance made by the German forces during World War II. Signed limited edition of 500 prints. Paper size 18 inches x 12 inches (46cm x 31cm). Price £200.00 Signed by Oberstleutnant Helmut Bennemann (deceased), Oberstleutnant Hans Lutz (deceased), Leutnant Siegfried Muller (deceased) and Oberst Eberhard Stephan (deceased). Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Paper size 18 inches x 12 inches (46cm x 31cm). Price £230.00 Signed by : Oberstleutnant Helmut Bennemann (deceased), Oberstleutnant Hans Lutz (deceased), Leutnant Siegfried Muller (deceased) and Oberst Eberhard Stephan (deceased). Limited edition of 25 publishers proofs. Paper size 18 inches x 12 inches (46cm x 31cm). Price £180.00 Signed by : Oberstleutnant Helmut Bennemann (deceased), Oberstleutnant Hans Lutz (deceased), Leutnant Siegfried Muller (deceased) and Oberst Eberhard Stephan (deceased). Nicolas Trudgian Promotional Flyer. A4 Size Double Sheet 11.5 inches x 8 inches (30m x 21cm) . Price £1.50 Remarque edition of 50 prints. Paper size 18 inches x 12 inches (46cm x 31cm). Price £ Signed by : Oberstleutnant Helmut Bennemann (deceased), Oberstleutnant Hans Lutz (deceased), Leutnant Siegfried Muller, Oberst Eberhard Stephan (deceased)Generalmajor Heinz Gunther Guderian. ** (Ex Display) Signed limited edition of 500 prints. (Three copies reduced to clear) Paper size 18 inches x 12 inches (46cm x 31cm). Price £130.00 Signed by Oberstleutnant Helmut Bennemann (deceased), Oberstleutnant Hans Lutz (deceased), Leutnant Siegfried Muller (deceased) and Oberst Eberhard Stephan (deceased). ITEM CODE DHM2466 Related Items and Offers: Click Images for Details Last One Home by Ivan Berryman. (B) Item Price : £250 Attack on the Scharnhorst by Ivan Berryman. (APB) Item Price : £200

The Last Battle, Berlin, 30th April 1945 by David Pentland Unterscharfurher Karl-Heinz Turk of the Schwere SS Panzerabteilung 503, in one of the units few remaining Kingtigers, defends the Potsdammer Platz along with elements of the Munchberg Division against the rapidly encroaching Soviet forces. Defence of the Reichstag, Berlin 1st May 1945 by David Pentland  On the 30th April, Untersharfuhrer Georg Diers and his crew of tank 314, were ordered to take up a defensive position at the Reichstag buildings. This was one of only two remaining King Tigers belonging to Heavy SS Tank Battalion 503 in Berlin. By that evening they had knocked out about 30 T34's, and the following day led a successful counterattack against the Kroll Opera House directly opposite the Reichstag. Their efforts though, merely postponed the inevitable and by the end of the day the order was given to abandon the position and prepare to break out of Berlin. Kampfgruppe Peiper by David Pentland  Oberssturmbannfuhrer Jochim Peiper, commander of the armoured spearhead of 1st SS Panzer Division, in conference with some of the officers of other units under his command. Aside form men and tanks of his own division, these included King tigers of the 501st heavy tank battalion and paratroops of 1st battalion, 9th Fallschrimjager regiment. THE BATTLE -Battle of the Bulge (or Ardennes Offensive):  Throughout December and January of 1945 Hitler's code-named plan 'Watch on the Rhine' took place. Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt was to break through the US line at Ardennes in order to create a German salient or 'bulge' which would isolate Allied forces at the north end of the corridor created by the drive. The casualties were tremendous and included Hitler's elite Panzer units. The German counteroffensive, although pinning US troops for some weeks, eventually failed. Three Panzer units were used in the operation, the 5th, 6th and 7th along with a troop of English-speaking Germans in US uniforms commanded by Otto Skorzeny. The operation began on 16th December on a 113km section of the front line under the watch of US 1st Army and General Bradley's 12th Army. This section of the front had been quiet in the previous months and so the Allies were taken by surprise, and Allied air support could not be scrambled because of poor weather conditions. These factors allowed the German troops to advance quickly. "Prepare to Ram", Operation Goodwood, Normandy, 18th July 1944 by David Pentland   While probing forward near Cagny on the initial day of the "Goodwood" offensive, Lt John Gorman, a troop commander of 2nd Armoured Battalion, Irish Guards, suddenly found himself confronted by a Tiger II and three Tiger I's of the elite 503rd Heavy Tank Battalion. Supported by only one other Sherman, and aware that their 75mm guns would be ineffective against such monsters, he gave the order to his driver to ram the King tiger. Gorman's tank "Ballyragget" succeeded in colliding with it's target before the Tiger's 88mm gun could be brought to bear on his Sherman, and with both tanks immobilised the crews quickly abandoned their tanks. Lt. Gorman, however, was not finished and making his way off the field, he returned shortly afterwards with a Sherman Firefly, to finish off the stricken Tiger II and one of the Tiger I's. For this action he was awarded the Military Cross, and his driver L/Cpl Baron the Military Medal.

Ardennes Offensive by Nicholas TrudgianFw190s of JG1 provide close support to the 9th SS Panzer Division, as they spearhead Germanys final major offensive of World War II. Seen advancing on the 82nd Airborne Division, the King Tiger tanks, with the aid of Luftwaffe ground-attack fighters, drive the Americans back through the snowy fields of the Ardennes on Christmas Day, 1944. It was the last, short-lived and ultimately unsuccessful advance made by the German forces during World War II. As 1944 drew to a close, Hitler made his final gamble of the war, mounting a massive strike force aimed at splitting the Allied forces advancing on Germany. His armour, supported from the air, would rip through the Ardennes to Antwerp, capture the Allied fuel supplies, and cut off all the opposing forces to the north. Hitler's commanders were dubious of the outcome but nevertheless obeyed orders, and the operation was launched on 16 December. Allied intelligence had discounted any German counter-offensive and the initial wave, comprising 8 Panzer divisions, took the Allied forces completely by surprise. A parachute drop of English-speaking German soldiers in American uniforms behind the assault zone added to the confusion. Advancing some 30 miles, and almost out of sight of the River Meuse, by 26 December the SS Panzers had ground to a halt with empty fuel tanks, and were at the mercy of Allied counter-attacks. By 16 January the German penetration was repulsed and Hitler's beloved Panzer units retreated in tatters. The Führer's last gamble had failed.