Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "Sevastopol Falls to the Germans" Artist notes in margins. Oil on Canvas. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 29c Sevastopol Falls to Germans 1942 stamp issued July 3, 1992. Germany's invasion of Soviet Russia, begun on July 22, 1941, was mired down on the eastern front. With his eye on the mineral-rich Caucasus, Hitler decided in December to launch another offensive aimed at Russia's underbelly. By the middle of May, 1942, German forces controlled the entire Crimea -- except Sevastopol. Bombers, artillery and an enormous seige gun called "Dora" relentlessly pummeled the city, but it's defenders fought valiantly and held the German invaders at bay until summer. On July 3, after the Russians destroyed all useful materiel, the city capitulated. Image Size: 15.75 x 19.75 in. Overall Size: 19.75 x 23.75 in. Unframed. (B13864)