Description

JG 51 were one of the Luftwaffe's top wartime fighter units, yet their story has never been told in English, until now.

The unit's history encapsulates the fortunes of the Luftwaffe's fighter arm as a whole - the heady successes of the early months, the steady attrition and the growing strength of the opposition during the mid-war years, and the final chaos and collapse of the last days.

But it is perhaps the details of the pilots who served with the unit that sets JG 51 apart. During the course of the war it numbered more Knight's Cross winners among its ranks than any other. And it is their stories – their successes, exploits and eventual fates – which brings this history to life.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE
FORMATION AND PHONEY WAR

CHAPTER TWO
BATTLES OF FRANCE AND BRITAIN

CHAPTER THREE
EASTERN FRONT 1941-43

CHAPTER FOUR
II. GRUPPE 1942-44

CHAPTER FIVE
DEFEAT IN THE EAST 1943-45

CHAPTER SIX
POSTSCRIPT – WERNER WHO?

APPENDICES
COLOUR PLATES COMMENTARY
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INDEX

Product details

Published Oct 20 2012
Format Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
Edition 1st
Extent 128
ISBN 9781782005476
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 100 b/w; 30 col
Series Aviation Elite Units
Short code AEU 22
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

John Weal

John Weal is Osprey's primary Luftwaffe author and…

Illustrator

John Weal

John Weal is Osprey's primary Luftwaffe author and…

Resources

Discover More

Visit our exclusive member's website to see artwork, maps, and more from this book.

Resources

Book Vote

Tell us what titles you would like to see published by Osprey, then vote for your favourites in our monthly book vote!

Related Titles

Sign up for Osprey membership for access to thousands of plane profiles, maps, battle scenes and more. Plus up to 30% off website purchases