Bf 109 Defence of the Reich Aces

(Paperback)

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This volume tells the story of the daylight air battles over Germany through the eyes of the Bf 109 aces involved. It traces the development of the aerial defence of the Reich from its small beginnings to arguably the most savage and costliest campaign in the history of aerial warfare. The Luftwaffe pilots explain their tactics and relate their experiences in the early days, waiting for short-ranged Allied fighters to turn back before attacking the bombers, the see-saw battle for aerial supremacy that followed, the advent of the P-51 and its devastating effect, the growing might of the heavy bomber streams and the final desperate measures against overwhelming odds. The story is predominantly that of the Bf 109s struggle to defeat the US Eighth Air Force, although latterly both the mediums of the US Ninth Air Force and the heavies of RAF Bomber Command were also active by day over Germany.

Reviews

"This is a very good text for information about the daylight air campaign over the skies of Germany in WWII." --Bolling Smith, Coast Defense Journal

"This story of the ascendancy of the daylight defense of the Reich, the struggles to keep pace with the daylight bombing campaign and the eventual defeat of the Luftwaffe is nicely presented by describing specific missions and many first hand descriptions of the battles... This is a very good text for information about the daylight air campaign over the skies of Germany in WWII." --Michael Koznarsky, Historical Miniature Gamer Magazine

"... a nice informative book, which depicts in an austere but effective way the combat of Messerschmitt pilots against an overwhelming force of heavy bombers and escort fighters... I recommend this book for all wanting to know a little more about the men behind the machines." --Jean-Luc Formery, AeroScale

Author Bio

John Weals love of German aircraft makes his work a treat for students of the subject. He has written several Aircraft of the Aces volumes, and two books on the Ju 87 in the companion series Combat Aircraft. He lives in Berkshire, UK.