Author Description

From 1943 to the final defeat in 1945, the day fighter arm of the Luftwaffe was gradually overwhelmed. With a mere handful of Geschwader available, the day fighters were incapable of covering a 2,000-mile front in the East. In the West the U.S. bomber fleets and their long-range escorts took a heavy toll and losses mounted alarmingly. To make up the shortfall inexperienced pilots were thrown into the frontline units and only a handful of "great" aces continued to rack up victories. This Casemate Illustrated examines the personalities, exploits and experiences of the Tagjagd through to Germany's final defeat. The Casemate Illustrated series explores key elements of military history. Extensively illustrated with photographs, maps, and color profiles of tanks, aircraft, and other vehicles, each volume provides a wealth of visual detail. Profiles of key individuals and units, a timeline and explanatory text boxes support the narrative, which provides a dear overview of the battle or campaign and the experience of the forces involved. Book jacket.