Luftwaffe Air & Ground Crew 1939–45

Luftwaffe Air & Ground Crew 1939–45 cover

Description

The Luftwaffe, honed in the Spanish Civil War, played a vital part in Germany's 'Blitzkrieg' victories during the 1939-41 period of World War II. Badly overstretched by war on three fronts in 1942-44, it was crippled by an incompetent commander-in-chief, the losses among experienced aircrew, and shortage of fuel. In 1944-45 it faced a final battle of attrition in skies ruled by the Allies as the Eastern and Western pincers closed on the Reich; but until the very end the dwindling band of veteran pilots - among them the greatest 'aces' the world has ever known - presented a potent threat. This fact-packed review of Luftwaffe uniforms and flying kit is illustrated with rare personal photos, insignia charts, and two dozen meticulously detailed colour figures.

Table of Contents

Rebirth of the air force · Organisation ·Summary of campaigns · Uniforms: service & parade dress - insignia of rank, branch, trade - extra clothing & effects - summer & winter working dress - tropical uniforms · Flying clothing - summer & winter helmets, flight suits, jackets, trousers, boots, gloves · Flight equipment: parachutes - seat, back & chest types · Life preservers, kapok & inflatable · Rafts, flare pistols, dye markers, compasses

Product details

Published Nov 13 2002
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 48
ISBN 9781841764047
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 44 b/w; 8 col
Dimensions 248 x 184 mm
Series Men-at-Arms
Short code MAA 377
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Illustrator

Mike Chappell

MIKE CHAPPELL comes from an Aldershot family with…

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