Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "German Invasion of Yugoslavia" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Canvas. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Republic of the Marshall Islands 29c Germany Invades the Balkans stamp issued April 6, 1991. The invasion of Russia was to be Hitler's major offensive for 1941. Success required a stable southern flank, and the Balkan nation of Yugoslavia remained stubbornly uncooperative. Coerced into signing the Tripartite Pact, Yugoslavia regent Prince Paul announced the alliance to his people, who staged public displays of outraged defiance. Hitler reacted with swift and savage fury. On April 6, Palm Sunday, German bombers appeared over Belgrade and released a torrent of destruction on the unsupecting city. When April 6 dawned, seventeen thousand residents lay dead. Belgrade's proud parliament building survived the bombardment, but German Panzers moved in to ensure that little else remained. Operation Punishment had begun. Image Size: 13.75 x 16.75 in. Overall Size: 16 x 19 in. Unframed. (B12810)