Author Description

Written by British intelligence officers in 1948, RISE AND FALL OF THE GERMAN AIR FORCE offers a unique insider’s view of Germany’s extraordinary military machine. Drawing upon records and documents captured from the Luftwaffe archives and elsewhere, it describes the Air Force’s principal campaigns, achievements and operational problems—as well as the political tensions that ultimately became its undoing. It also explores the powerful personalities behind the service, especially the relationship between Hitler and Göring and the impact on the Luftwaffe of the German Supreme Command. Illustrated with original photographs and maps, this fascinating contemporary account shows how, and why, a military phenomenon was brought to defeat. —Pre-War policy and preparations (1919-1939) —The German Air Force on the offensive (1939-1942) —The Turn of the Tide (1943-1944) —Decline and Fall of the German Air Force (1944-1945) “Born of the spirit of the German airmen in the First World War, inspired by faith in our Führer and Commander-in-Chief—thus stands the German Air Force today, ready to carry out every command of the Führer with lightning speed and undreamed-of might”—Hermann Göring, 1939