Annotated Aviation Bibliography
General
- Anttonen, Ossi and Valtonen, Hannu. Luftwaffe Suomessa = Luftwaffe in Finland 1941-1944; Helsinki: Kirja-Lento, 1976-1980 2 volumes ISBNs
951-99072-4-6 (vol. 1), 951-99244-4-2 (vol. 2)
- English and Finnish.
- Bartz, Karl. Swastika in the Air: The Struggle and Defeat of the German Air Force, 1939-1945; London: Kimber, 1956 204 p.
- Translation of Als Himmel brannte.
- Baumbach, Werner. The Life and Death of the Luftwaffe; Costa Mesa, CA: Noontide Press, 1992 224 p. ISBN 0-939482-37-1
- A most uneven work. Covers the development of the Luftwaffe and the politics of its high command in some detail with vignettes of the author's service career. These generally serve to distract the reader except when the author becomes involved with the Luftwaffe's leadership. I disagree with a number of the author's conclusions and the book is replete with small errors of fact. Translation of Zu spat? Also appeared as Broken Swastika: The Defeat of the Luftwaffe. Jason Long
- Bender, Roger J. Air Organizations of the Third Reich; Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, 1993 319 p. ISBN 0-8874-0479-X
- Strictly a uniform book despite the tantalizing title. Jason Long
- Bekker, Cajus. The Luftwaffe War Diaries; New York: Doubleday, 1966 399 p.
- A translation of Angriffshohe 4000. A most unreliable work, full of
propaganda. Jason Long
Sweeping account of the rise and fall of the Luftwaffe. Every major front is covered with a focus on the big picture spiced up with personal testimonies of the men who fought against the allies in WWII. The most significant fact is that it recount events from the German perspective making it a valuable addition to your library. However, I'm left with the same feeling I often get when reading German accounts; namely how'd we ever win the war???? Dave "Prophet" Williams
- Bernage, Georges and de Lannoy, Francois. Dictionaire Historique: La Luftwaffe: La Waffen-SS 1939-1945; Paris, Editions Heimdall, 1998 480 p.
- Yearly histories of the major geschwader by gruppen, but, curiously, not LG 1 or LG 2. Also has a line drawing of the symbols used by these units. Jason Long
- Blanco, Richard L. The Luftwaffe in World War II: The Rise and Decline of the German Air Force; New York: J. Messner, 1987 214 p. ISBN 0-67150232-8
- Boog, Horst. Die Deutsche Luftwaffenführung 1935-1945:
Führungsprobleme, Spitzengliederung, Generalstabsausbildung;
Stuttgart: Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt, 1982 724 p. ISBN 3-421-01905-3
- Brutting, Georg. Das Buch der deutschen Fluggeschichte; Stuttgart:
Drei Brunnen, 1979 663 p. ISBN 3-87174001-2
- Cooper, Matthew. The German Air Force, 1933-1945: An Anatomy of
Failure; London: Jane's, 1981 406 p. ISBN 0-531-03733-9
- Deichmann, Paul. Spearhead for Blitzkrieg: German Air Force Operations in Support of the Army; Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpoole Books, 1996 159 p. ISBN 1-85367-241-6
- This edition edited and with commentary by Alfred Price. Originally appeared in 1968 under the current subtitle.
- Eyermann, Karl-Heinz. Der grosse Bluff: aus Geheimarchiven der deutschen Luftfahrt; Berlin: Transpress, [1963] 376 p.
- Forsyth, Robert, et al. Mistel: German Composite Aircraft and Operations, 1942-1945; Crowborough, England: Classic Publications, 2001 288 p. ISBN 1-903223-09-1
- Galland, Adolf. The Luftwaffe at War, 1939-1945; Chicago: Regnery,
1972 247 p. Translation of Die Deutsche Luftwaffe, 1939-1945.
- Hentschel, Georg, ed. Die Geheimen Konferenzen des
Generalluftzeugmeisters: ausgewählte und kommentierte Dokumente zur Geschichte der deutschen Luftrüstung und des Luftkrieges, 1942-1944; Koblenz: Bernard & Graefe, 1989 240 p. ISBN 3-7637-5880-1
- Hermann, Hauptman. The Luftwaffe: It's Rise and Fall; NY: G. P.
Putnam's Sons, 1943 300 p.
- Hooton, E. R. Phoenix Triumphant: The Rise and Rise of the Luftwaffe; London: Arms and Armour, 1994 320 p. ISBN 1-85409-181-6
- An excellent introduction to the Luftwaffe's early history. Rewards even the knowledgeable with nuggets of interest such as accident rates and aircrew numbers. Jason Long
- Hooton, E. R. Eagle in Flames: The Fall of the Luftwaffe; London: Arms and Armour, 1997 352 p. ISBN 1-85409-343-6
- A sequel to Phoenix Triumphant that covers the rest of the war. A general history that is very rewarding to the specialist as well as the casual reader. Some of the orders of battle have problems. HIghly recommended. Jason Long
- Hoyt, Edwin P. Angels of Defeat: Goering's Luftwaffe; New York:
Forge, 1994 304 p. ISBN 0-312-53601-0
- More a study of Göring's relations with the Luftwaffe than a history of the Luftwaffe itself. Jason Long
- Ketley, Barry and Rolfe, Mark. Luftwaffe Fledglings 1935-1945: Luftwaffe Training Units and Their Aircraft; Aldershot: Hikoki Publishing, 1996 89 p. ISBN 0-9519899-2-8
- Primarily a picture book, but has a useful explanation of the training process.
- Keskinen, Kalevi and Stenman, Kari. German Aircraft in Finland 1939-1945; Tampere: Apali Oy, 1998 131 p.
- Primarily pictorial with some overlap of photos with other books in the same series, but many unusual and interesting photos. The text and photo captions are in both English and Finnish. Highly recommended. Suomen Ilmavoimien Historia 16. Barry Rosch
- Killen, John. The Luftwaffe: A History; London: Muller, 1967 310 p.
- Also published under the title of A History of the Luftwaffe.
- Lee, Asher. The German Air Force; New York: Harper, 1946 310 p.
- Luftwaffe; Alexandria, VA: Time-Life Books, 1982 176 p. ISBN 0-8094-3337-0
- Part of the Epic of Flight series.
- Luftwaffe Gunnery Techniques: The Official Gunnery Techniques
Instructions for German Fighter Pilots and Air Gunners, 1943-1945; Ottawa: Valkyrie, 1979 58 p. ISBN 0-88992-002-8
- Luftwaffe: An Analysis by Former Luftwaffe Generals; London:
Sidgwick and Jackson, 1979 264 p. ISBN 0-283-98516-X
- Condensation of twelve volumes written by former officers of the German Air Force for the United States Air Force Historical Division. Previously published as The Luftwaffe: A History in 1977.
- Maass, Bruno. The Organization of the German Air Force High Command and Higher Echelon Headquarters Within the German Air Force; Manhattan, KS: MA/AH Pub., 1980 216 p.
- Mason, Herbert Molloy, Jr. The Rise of the Luftwaffe; New York: Dial Press, 1973 402 p.
- Medem, Walter E. von. Fliegende Front; Berlin: <<Die Wehrmacht>>, 1942 118 p.
- Filled with beautiful color photos.
- Mehner, Kurt and Teuber, Reinhard, eds. Die deutsche Luftwaffe 1939-1945: Führung und Truppe; Norderstedt: Militär-Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall, 1993 254 p. ISBN 3-931533-01-8
- Meyer, Michael and Stipdonk, Paul. The Luftwaffe from Training School to the Front: An Illustrated Study 1933-1945; Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publications, 1996 285 p. ISBN 0-88470-924-5
- Translation of Von der Fliegerschule zum Einsatzverband: ein Bildband
der deutschen Luftwaffe, 1933-1945. The majority of the photos here haven't been seen before. The special emphasis on Fliegerschule, weather reconnaissance and special units is very welcome. Valuable for those students of Luftwaffe aircraft photos. John Beaman
- Mitcham, Samuel W. Eagles of the Third Reich: Hitler's Luftwaffe;
Shrewsbury: Airlife, 1989 183 p. ISBN 1-85310064-1
- A work that shows the author doesn't know much about aircraft and that offer little new information. Not recommended. Jason Long
- Mizrahi, Joseph V. Knights of the Black Cross; Granada Hills, CA: Sentry Books, 1972 100 p.
- Heavily illustrated guide to the Luftwaffe. Many stories from German pilots.
- Morzik, Fritz. German Air Force Airlift Operations; New York: Arno
Press, 1968 416 p.
- Mombeek, Eric. Luftwaffe: A Pictorial History; Ramsbury, Wilts.: Crowood Press, 1997 159 p. ISBN 1-86126-093-8
- Murray, Williamson. German Military Effectiveness; Baltimore, MD:
Nautical & Aviation Publishing, 1992 249 p. ISBN 1-87785-311-9
- Has a chapter on the Luftwaffe's experiences in Poland.
- Murray, Williamson. Luftwaffe; Baltimore: Nautical & Aviation Publishing, 1985 337 p. ISBN 0-933852-45-2
- A revised edition of Strategy for Defeat, 1983.
- Nauroth, Holger. The Luftwaffe from the North Cape to Tobruk, 1939-1945: An Illustrated History; West Chester, PA: Schiffer Publications, 1991 235 p. ISBN 0-88740-361-1
- Translation of Die Deutsche Luftwaffe vom Nordkap bis Tobruk, 1939-1945.
- Nielsen, Andreas. The German Air Force General Staff; New York: Arno Press, 1968 265 p.
- Orlovius, Heinz. Schwert am himmel: funf Jahre deutsche Luftwaffe; Berlin: Scherl, [1940] 256 p.
- Philpott, Bryan. The History of the German Air Force; Twickenham,
Middlesex: Hamlyn, 1986 192 p. ISBN 0-600-50293-7
- Pimlott, Dr. John. Luftwaffe: The Illustrated History of the German Air Force in WW II; ?: ? 176 p.
- Most of the unpublished photos advertised are of ground scenes or of personnel, the other photos are all very well known. The photo captions are very, very generalized to the point of almost being worthless and a large number which have some data are in error. A very disappointing book and one on which you should save your money and not purchase! Barry Rosch
- Price, Alfred. The Last Year of the Luftwaffe: May 1944 to May 1945; Osceola, WI: Motorbooks International, 1991 191 p. ISBN 0-87938-555-3
- Price, Alfred. Luftwaffe: Birth, Life and Death of an Air Force; New York: Ballantine, 1969 160 p.
- Price, Alfred. Luftwaffe Data Book; London: Greenhill Books, 1997 272 p. ISBN 1-85367-293-9
- A greatly expanded and revised edition of the following title. Includes yearly orders of battle, though some have problems. The later ones are different than the ones from his book The Last Year of the Luftwaffe. At least a couple errors have been fixed though I'm mightily puzzled by the inconsistencies. Recommended as the basic guide to the Luftwaffe. Jason Long
- Price, Alfred. Luftwaffe Handbook; London: Ian Allan, 1986 128 p. 2nd edition ISBN 0-71101-669-0
- A basic introduction to the structure, tactics and personalities of the Luftwaffe. Jason Long
- Price, Alfred. Luftwaffe In Camera 1939-1942; ?: ?, 1998 180 p.
- The first of 2 volumes which feature an all-photo study of the German Luftwaffe, primarily obtained from the personal photo albums of former Luftwaffe air crew.
- Price, Alfred. Luftwaffe In Camera 1942 -1945; ?: ?, 1999 180 p.
- The second of 2 volumes which feature an all-photo study of the German Luftwaffe, primarily obtained from the personal photo albums of former Luftwaffe air crew.
- Price, Alfred. Pictorial History of the Luftwaffe; Shrewsbury: Airlife Publishing, 1991 168 p. ISBN 1-85310-123-0
- A revised and expanded edition of Pictorial History of the Luftwaffe 1933-1945, 1969?
- Przysuski, Grzegorz. Lotnictwo mysliwskie Luftwaffe 1930-1945: historia i barwa; Krakow: Zapraszamy do wspólpracy, 199? 50 p.
- The colors of its color drawings appear to be off, but I'm no expert. Jason Long
- Rieckhoff, Hans Joachim. Trump Card or Bluff?: 12 Years of the German Air Force; Geneva: Interavia, 1945 224 p.
- Translation of Trumpf oder Bluff?: 12 Jahre deutsche Luftwaffe.
- Ries, Karl. Luftwaffen-Story 1935-1939; Mainz: Dieter Hoffmann, 1974 264 p. ISBN 3-87341-017-6
- German and English. An excellent guide to the beginnings of the Luftwaffe,
far better than Schliephake, as well as nicely illustrated. Jason Long
- Ries, Karl. The Luftwaffe: A Photographic Record, 1919-1945; Blue
Ridge Summit, PA: Aero, 1987 232 p. ISBN 0-8306-8384-4
- Translation of Luftwaffe Photo-Report 1919-1945.
- Ries, Karl. Deutsche Luftwaffe über der Schweiz 1939-1945; Mainz: Dieter Hoffmann, 1978 112 p. ISBN 3-87341-022-2
- An account of every Luftwaffe aircraft that landed in Switzerland in both German and English. Very detailed information on each incident is provided to include engine serial numbers! A list of all aircraft to land in Switzerland is also included. Reasonably detailed coverage of the Swiss Fliegertruppen is also given. Jason Long
- Schliephake, Hanfried. The Birth of the Luftwaffe; Chicago: Henry
Regnery, 1971 80 p. ISBN 0-8092-8059-0
- A somewhat useful pictorial survey of the Luftwaffe's early years. Jason Long
- Suchenwirth, Richard. Command and Leadership in the German Air Force; New York: Arno Press, 1970 351 p. ISBN 0-405-00051-0
- Suchenwirth, Richard. The Development of the German Air Force 1919-1939; New York: Arno Press, 1970 259 p. ISBN 0-405-00050-2
- Suchenwirth, Richard. Historical Turning Points in the German Air Force War Effort; New York: Arno Press, 1968 143 p.
- Tuider, Othmar. Die Luftwaffe in Österreich 1938-1945; Wien:
Österreichischen Bundesverlag, 1985 134 p. ISBN 3-215-05908-8
- U.K., Air Ministry. The Rise and Fall of the German Air Force 1933-1945; Old Greenwich, CT: We Inc., 1969 422 p.
- Valtonen, Hannu. Luftwaffe - Kuvasto/Pictorial; Tikkakoski: Finnish Air Force Museum, 1998 205 p.
- Text and captions in both English and Finnish, 240 B/W photos. Highly recommended for those interested in the far north air war. Barry Rosch
- Valtonen, Hannu. Messerschmitt BF 109 ja Saksan sotatalous; Tikkakoski: Finnish Air Force Museum, 1999 420 p. ISBN 951-95688-7-5
- This will correct a lot of erroneous info circulating among authors not having done their homework. This book would easily become one of the standard books on the Bf 109 - if and when available in English/German. Carl-Fredrik Geust
- Völker, Karl-Heinz. Die deutsche Luftwaffe, 1933-1939: Aufbau,
Führung und Rüstung der Luftwaffe sowie die Entwicklung der deutschen Luftkriegstheorie; Stuttgart: Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt, 1967 334 p.
- Völker, Karl Heinz. Dokumente und Dokumentarfotos zur Geschichte de deutschen Luftwaffe: aus den Geheimakten des Reichswehr ministeriums 1919-1933 und des Reichsluftfahrtministeriums 1933-1939; Stuttgart: Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt, 1968 489 p.
- Warfare and the Third Reich; New York: Smithmark, 1996 448 p. ISBN
0-8317-7289-1
- Includes the narrative text of Wood and Gunston's Hitler's Luftwaffe, albeit without any illustrations. Jason Long
- Wildt, Bo. The Luftwaffe in Sweden 1939-1945; Boylston, MA:
Monogram Aviation Publishers, 1983 128 p. ISBN 0-914144-28-6
- A study of Luftwaffe aircraft that landed in Sweden.
- Wood, Tony and Gunston, Bill. Hitler's Luftwaffe: A Pictorial History
and Technical Encyclopedia of Hitler's Air Power in World War II; New York: Crescent, 1977 248 p. ISBN 0-517-22477-1
- About half of this excellent work covers the history of the Luftwaffe and its wartime operations, the rest is a guide to German aircraft. Beautifully illustrated it also gives a large number snapshot OBs for various theaters. The details provided must, however, be carefully verified against more up-to-date information, but this is true of virtually everything done before 1980, especially in English. Jason Long
- Aders, Gebhard. History of the German Night Fighter Force 1917-1945; New York: Jane's, 1980 284 p. ISBN 0-531-03707-X
- The best work on the night fighters yet published, particularly good on the aircraft and tactics used. But tracing the multitude of organizational changes of the night fighter units is impossible. Very frustrating for those like myself. Jason Long
- Aders, Gebhard and Held, Werner. Jagdgeschwader 51
>>Mölders<<: eine Chronik: Berichte, Erlebnisse,
Dokumente; Stuttgart: Motorbuch, 2 Aufl., 1993 279 p. ISBN 3-613-01045-3
- Useful, but I really wish I could determine what aircraft were flown by each staffel for the latter part of the war and where they were based. Lack of maps is quite annoying. Jason Long
- Balke, Ulf. Der Luftkrieg in Europa: die operativen Einsätz des Kampfgeschwaders 2 im Zweiten Weltkrieg; Koblenz: Bernard & Graefe, 1990 2 volumes ISBN 3-7637-5882-8
- Definitve. The absolute last word on this unit. Has much information on Luftflotte 3's operations in the West, to include a number of useful OBs. Jason Long
- Balke, Ulf. Kampfgeschwader 100 >>Wiking<<: Eine Geschichte aus Kriegstagebüchern, Dokumentation und Berichten 1934-1945; Stuttgart: Motorbuch, 1981 479 p. ISBN 3-87943-772-6
- Includes very complete loss listings for both aircraft and pilots, though I'd've prefered the former to be organized by date rather than by Werk-Nummer, as well as airfield dates of occupation and the usual staffeln and gruppen commanders. Highly recommended. Jason Long
- Boehme, Manfred. The World's First Jet Fighter Unit 1944/1945, JG 7;
Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, 1992 230 p. ISBN 0-88740-395-6
- Translation of Jagd-geschwader 7: die Chronik eines Me 262-Geschwader, 1944/45. A magnificent effort to place the unit's operations in their
proper context since JG 7 shot down many more Allied aircraft than did the far more famous JV 44. It should be read in parallel with Foreman's Me 262 Combat Diary to accurately assess the Me 262's real impact on the air war over Germany. Jason Long
- Boenke, XXX. Staffelalbum der Herzstaffel; [n.p., PK-Frontdruckerei "Panzerfaust" der Pz. Prop.-Komp. 697, 1943] 22 p.
- Born, Karl. Rettung zwischen den Fronten: Seenotdienst der deutschen Luftwaffe, 1939-1945; Hamburg: Mittler, [1996] 324 p. ISBN 3-8132-0489-8
- Bourg, Werner van der. Die Bruderschaft der Flieger; Fuchstal: RCO, Verlag der Flieger, 1986 510 p. ISBN 3-98013690-6
- A history of KG 26.
- Caldwell, Donald L. JG 26: Top Guns of the Luftwaffe; New York: Orion, 1991 440 p. ISBN 0-517-57-39-4
- A superb narrative history of JG 26, lacking only detailed loss lists and dates of occupation at each airfield to be the last word on this unit. Jason Long
- Caldwell, Donald L. JG 26: Photographic History of the Luftwaffe's Top
Guns; Shrewsbury: Airlife, 1994 168 p. ISBN 1-85310-545-7
- Caldwell, Donald L. JG 26 War Diary; London: Grub
Street, 1996-8 2 v. ISBN 0-948817-52-3 (vol. 1), 1-898697-86-8 (vol. 2)
- A day-by-day account of JG 26's activities. Includes everything I complained that was missing in the first book, especially detailed loss lists, strength reports, and airfield tenure dates. Jason Long
- Cuny, Jean. La Chasse de Nuit Allemande 1939-1945; Nancy: Editions E.P.A., 1980 247p.
- Dierich, Wolfgang. Kampfgeschwader 55 >>Greif<<: eine
Chronik aus Dokumentation und Berichten 1937-1945; Stuttgart: Motorbuch, 1994 2. Aufl. 501 p. ISBN 3-87943-340-2
- Another of Motorbuch's geschwader histories; full of all those things that I appreciate most: dates of occupation for at each airfield, organizational information, etc. Highly recommended. Jason Long
- Dierich, Werner. Kampfgeschwader 51 >>Edelweiss<<: eine
Chronik aus Dokumentation und Berichten 1937-1945; Stuttgart: Motorbuch, 5. Aufl., 1991 343 p. ISBN 3-87943-272-4
- See my comment on Dierich's KG 55 book. Truncated English edition of only 128 pages appeared under the title of Kampfgeschwader Edelweiss. Jason Long
- Dierich, Wolfgang. Die Verbände der Luftwaffe 1935-1945:
Gliederungen und Kurzchroniken - eine Dokumentation; Stuttgart: Motorbuch, 1976 703 p. ISBN 3-7637-5938-7
- Originally published as 10 separate booklets as Ehrenbucher der Luftwaffe. An essential work marred by inconsistent entries for the units. Some are very detailed while others are almost useless. Jason Long
- von Eimannsberger, Ludwig. Zerstürer Gruppe: A History of V. (Z)/LG 1 - I./NJG 3 1939-1941; Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publications, 1998 232 p. ISBN 0-7643-0479-8
- A photographic history of the unit that does have some useful text. Lists casualties, but not aircraft losses. Jason Long
- Fast, Niko. Das Jagdgeschwader 52: im Spiegel von Dokumentation und
Berichten von Zeitzeugen; Bergisch-Gladbach: Bensburger Buch-Verlag, 1988- 7 volumes
- Fehse, Werner. Die Chronik der 1. Staffel (F) Aufklärungsgruppe 124; Köln: self-published, 1999 252 p.
- Many photos with lists and charts of losses and decorations. Bob Rinder
- Forsyth, Robert. JV 44: The Galland Circus; Burgess Hill: Classic
Publications, 1996 356 p. ISBN 0-9526867-0-8
- Profusely illustrated work that covers the short career of JV 44 in detail. A large portion of the book covers the political maneuverings in the Luftwaffe that resulted in Galland's ouster as General der Jagdflieger and the subsequent formation of JV 44. Jason Long
- Gellermann, Gunther W. Moskau ruft Heeresgruppe Mitte: was nicht im
Wehrmachtsbericht stand: die Einsatze des geheimen Kampfgeschwaders 200 im Zweiten Weltkrieg; Koblenz: Bernard & Graefe, 1988 326 p. ISBN
3-76375-851-8
- The best KG 200 study out there (with complete details of the bizarre "Scherhorn" episode of Fall 1944), but also a first-rate account of Mistel planning and operations. Rich Muller
- Girbig, Werner. Jagdgeschwader 5 >>Eismeerjäger<<:
eine Chronik aus Dokumentation und Berichten 1941-1945; Stuttgart:
Motorbuch, 1976 2 Aufl. 374 p. ISBN 3-87943-365-8
- Goss, Chris. Bloody Biscay: The History of V Gruppe/Kampfgeschwader 40; Somerton?: Crécy, 1997 254 p. ISBN 0-947554-62-9
- Presented in chronological order with accounts from pilots and war diaries from both sides. Attempts to reconcile losses and victories with Allied records. Includes very useful appendixes such as loss lists, victory claims, known aircraft, etc. Fascinating photos, including some from a combat involving a Halifax V/Horsa combination! Highly recommended on a unit that I never imagined would ever be documented. Jason Long
- Goss, Chris. Brothers in Arms: The Story of a British and a German
Fighter Unit August-December 1940; Somerton: Crécy Books, 1994
201 p. ISBN 0-947554-37-8
- Histories of I./JG 53 and 609 Squadrons.
- Gundelach, Karl. Kampfgeschwader 4 >>General Wever<<: eine Geschichte aus Kriegestagebüchern, Dokumentation, und Berichten 1939-1945; Stuttgart: Motorbuch, 1978 398 p. ISBN 3-87943-572-3
- Another of Motorbuch's geschwader histories with those things that I appreciate most: each airfield occupied in sequence, but unfortunately not by date, but does list some unit strengths, etc. Highly recommended. Jason Long
- Held, Werner, et al. JG 54: A Photographic History of the
Grünherzjäger; Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, 1994 196 p.
ISBN 0-88740-690-4
- Translation of Die Grünherzjäger: Bildchronik des
Jagdgeschwaders 54. With only 50 pages of text, you'd think that it would be mistake-free, but you'd be wrong. Littered with typos and small, and not so small, errors of fact, this book badly needed to be edited by someone knowledgeable with the material. Jason Long
- Hümmelchen, Gerhard. Die Deutschen Seeflieger 1935-1945;
München: J. F. Lehrmanns, 1976 192 p. ISBN 3-469-00306-8
- Jurleit, Manfred. Strahljäger Me 262 im Einsatz: alle Geschwader,
Gruppen und Kommandos; Berlin: Transpress, 1993 199 p. ISBN 3-344-70778-7
- Kiehl, Heinz. Kampfgeschwader 53 >>Legion Condor<<: eine
Chronik: Berichte, Erlebnisse, Dokumente; Stuttgart: Motorbuch, 1983 388
p. ISBN 3-87943-947-8
- Not fully up to the standards of Motorbuch's other geschwader histories in that it lacks those really useful appendixes, but still has useful information on the airborne V-1 launches conducted by KG 53 and the Croatian staffel that was attached for most of the unit's tenure on the Eastern Front. Jason Long
- Kock, Werner. Das Kriegstagebuch des Nachtjagdgeschwaders 6; Wittmund: Eigenverlag, 1996 310 p.
- A reprint of the unit's war diary. Only an index of names and a list of commanders has been added.
- Knabe, Konrad. Das auge Dietls; ?: ?, 199? ISBN 3-8061-0860-7
- A history of F-Kette Lapland.
- Kurowski, Franz. Bordflieger im Einsatz, 1939-1945: mit der Kriegsmarine am Feind; Berg am See: K. Vowinckel, 1984 250 p. ISBN 3-921655-37-4
- Mohlenbeck, Otto and Leihse, Manfred. Ferne Nachtjagd: Aufzeichn. aus
die Jahren 1940-1945; Stuttgart: Motorbuch, 1976 2. Aufl. 215 p. ISBN 3-87943-413-1
- A history of I/NJG 2.
- Mombeek, Eric. Defenders of the Reich: Jagdgeschwader 1 1939-1942; Crowborough, East Sussex: Classic Publications, 2001 112 pages. ISBN 0-952867-
- The illustrated story of the Luftwaffe's premier fighter defense unit. Tasked with defending the skies over the Third Reich, Jagdgeschwader 1 numbered among its ranks some of the Luftwaffe's leading fighter aces including Heinz Bär, Walter Oesau and Herbert Ihlefeld. This is the first volume in a substantially revised three volume study of Eric Mombeek's classic work. Many of the 750 photos that will appear throughout this multi-part edition are new and not contained in earlier editions and will be accompanied by 90 new full color profiles of the unit's Bf 109s and Fw 190s by Tom Tullis.
- Mombeek, Eric. Eismeerjäger: Zur Geschichte des Jagdgeschwaders 5; Linkebeek, Belgium: self-published, 2000- 3 vols. ISBN 2-9600236-3-3 (vol. 1)
- The first volume covers the Zerstörers and Jabos. Includes losses and victory tables.
- Mombeek, Eric. Defending the Reich: The History of Jagdgeschwader 1 "Oesau"; Norwich, Norfolk: JAC Publications, 1992 332 p. ISBN 0-9515737-1-3
- Excellent book that includes damage lists that mention the sub-model of the aircraft involved and the extent of damage from which it is possible to track the dates of re-equipment, but lacks a map of the most of the unit's bases in Germany. Not as detailed as Prien's history, but much more accessible. Jason Long
- Mombeek, Eric. Sturmjäger: Zur Geschichte des Jagdgeschwaders 4 und der Sturmstaffel 1; Linkebeek, Belgium: self-published, 1998-2000 2 vols.
- Only volume one covers the development and operations of JG 4 through September 1944 using a daily narrative style. Includes 250 photos, 90% of which have never been published before however, most of the photos were subject to a contrast problem in printing and are darker than they should be. Stongly recommended for those who buy books written in German and have a vigorous and continuing interest in the Jagdwaffe. Larry de Zeng
- Mombeek, Eric with Richard Forsyth and Eddie C. Creek. Sturmstaffel 1: Reich Defense 1943-1944: The War Diary; Crowborough, East Sussex: Classic Publications, 1999 112 pages. ISBN 0-952867-9-1
- A translation of the relevant part of the above book with added and corrected material. Heavily illustrated with photos and color drawings.
- Morzik, Fritz. Die deutschen Transportflieger im Zweiten Weltkrieg: die
Geschichte des "Fußvolkes der Luft"; Frankfurt am Main: Bernard
& Graefe, 1966 320 p.
- Nauroth, Holger. Jagdgeschwader 2 'Richthofen': Eine Bildchronik; Stuttgart: Motorbuch, 1999. 360 p. ISBN 3-613-01935-3
- Nauroth, Holger. Stukageschwader 2 Immelmann: eine Dokumentation
über das erfolgreichste deutsche Stukageschwader; Preussich Oldendorf: K. W. Schütz, 1988 366 p. ISBN 3-87725-123-4
- A picture book with useful nuggets of operational information. Disappointing in that there's no coverage of the units that later became part of StG 2 or of the original gruppe that later became part of StG 3 in the Desert. Jason Long
- Nowarra, Heinz. Minensuchgruppe Mausi; Illertissen: Flugzeug Publikations, 1997 ? p. ISBN 3-
- Parry, Simon W. Intruders over Britain: The Story of the Luftwaffe's
Night Intruder Force - the Fernnachtjäger; New Malden, Surrey: Air
Research Publications, 1992 206 p. ISBN 1-87118-716-8
- Pegg, Martin. Luftwaffe Ground Attack Units, 1939-45; New York: Sky
Books Press, 1977 48 p. ISBN 0-89402-014-5
- Prien, Jochen. Einsatz des Jagdgeschwader 77 von 1939 bis 1945: ein Kriegstagebüch: nach Dokumenten, Berichten und Erinnerungen; Eutin: struve druck, 1992-1995 4 volumes ISBNs 3-923457-19-7 (v. 1), 3-923457-22-7 (v. 2), 3-923457-29-4 (v. 4)
- Volumes 3 and 4 have the title of Geschichte des Jagdgeschwaders 77.
Volume 1 covers 1, 1934-41; volume 2, 1941-42; volume 3, 1942-43; volume 4, 1944-45. In 2500 pages Prien covers the day by day activites of JG 77, covering claims and losses, with bibliographic citations! Unfortunately the activities of I/JG 77 in Norway before it became I/JG 5 aren't covered. My only caveat is that no handy summary tables are available for residence dates at airfields, etc. so that data of interest must be extracted from the text, a rather daunting task! Jason Long
- Prien, Jochen and Rodeike, Peter. Jagdgeschwader 1 und 11; Eutin: struve druck, 1993-4 3 volumes ISBN 3-923457-21-9 (v. 1), 3-923457-24-3 (v. 2), 3-923457-25-1 (v. 3)
- Volume 1 covers 1939-43; volume 2, 1944; volume 3, 1944-45.
- Prien, Jochen. Jagdgeschwader 53: A History of the "Pik As" Geschwader; Atglen, PA: Schiffer, 1997- 3 vols. ISBN 0-88470-0175-6 (v. 1), 0-7643-0292-2 (v. 2)
- Translation of Pik-As: Geschichte des Jadgeschwaders 53. Volume 1 covers the unit's activities up to May 1942 in a daily format. Volume 2 goes to January 1944. Includes loss lists for each campaign. A number of additional photos have been added over the German edition. Jason Long
- Prien, Jochen, Rodeike, Peter, and Stemmer, Gerhard. Messerschmitt Bf 109 im Einsatz bei der I./JG 27; Eutin: struve druck, 1998 ? p. ISBN 3-923457-46-4
- Prien, Jochen, Rodeike, Peter, and Stemmer, Gerhard. Messerschmitt Bf 109 im Einsatz bei der II./JG 27; Eutin: struve druck, 1997 577 p. ISBN 3-923457-42-1
- Prien, Jochen, Rodeike, Peter, and Stemmer, Gerhard. Messerschmitt Bf 109 im Einsatz bei der III. und IV./JG 27; Eutin: struve druck, 1995 482 p. ISBN 3-923457-30-8
- Similar to the JG 77 history, but more pictorial in focus and includes airfield tenure dates and monthly aircraft inventories through December '44. Definitely recommended. Jason Long
- Prien, Jochen and Stemmer, Gerhard. Messerschmitt Bf 109 im Einsatz beim und der I./JG 3; Eutin: struve druck, 1997 608 p. ISBN 3-923457-38-5
- Prien, Jochen and Stemmer, Gerhard. Messerschmitt Bf 109 im Einsatz bei der II./JG 3; Eutin: struve druck, 1996 466 p. ISBN 3-923457-37-5
- Prien, Jochen and Stemmer, Gerhard. Messerschmitt Bf 109 im Einsatz bei der III./JG 3; Eutin: struve druck, 1996. 535 p. ISBN 3-923457-
- Prien, Jochen and Stemmer, Gerhard. IV./JG 3 Chronik einer Jagdgruppe 1943-45; Eutin: struve druck, 1996 379 p. ISBN 3-923457-36-7
- These volumes on JG 3 follow a similar pattern to the JG 77 history, except that the summary information on airbases is provided as well as a handy monthly aircraft inventories for IV Gruppe. Jason Long
- Prien, Jochen and et al. Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe, 1934 bis 1945; Eutin: struve druck, 2000 ? p. ISBN 3-923457-54-5
- First of a projected 12 volume. Band 1 deals with the years spanning from the (re)birth of the Luftwaffe in 1934 until the end of the Polish Campaign, in late 1939. The book is illustrated with 452 black/white photos (the 453th one was left out) and several charts, maps, aircraft profiles, unit emblems, etc. Besides the illustrations, there are production figures for the various fighter aircraft types employed by the Luftwaffe (sadly no He 112, though), as well as comprehensive listings of air victory claims and losses of the Polish Campaign.
If the authors succeed in covering in the same manner the whole history of the Jagdwaffe, then the 12-volume series will probably be the most authoritative and detailed recount of this very interesting topic. Highly recommended. Dénes Bernád
- Priller, Josef. JG 26: Geschichte eines Jagdgeschwaders: das JG 26
(Schlageter), 1937-1945; Stuttgart: Motorbuch, 1980 4. Aufl. 397 p. ISBN
3-87943-712-2
- Previously published as Geschichte eines Jagdgeschwaders.
- Radtke, Siegfried. Geschichte des Kampfgeschwader 54: von der Ju 52 zur Me 262: Eine Chronik nach Kriegstagebüchern, Berichten und Dokumentation 1935-1945; München: Schild, 1990 384 p. ISBN 3-88014-098-7
- A little short on narrative, but contains lengthy appendixes covering dates of occupation of airfields, unit commanders and detailed lists of damaged aircraft and air crew casualties.
- Reschke, Willi. Jagdgeschwader 301/302 'Wilde Sau'; Stuttgart: Motorbook Verlag, 1998 248 p. ISBN 3-613-01898-5
- A history of these units by one of the more notable veterans of the units. The only table is a list of pilot victories. Unit losses and other info is all within the text. Some photos, these are primarily of the pilots. Jim Perry
- Ries, Karl. Deutsche Flugzeugführerschulen und ihre Maschinen,
1919-1945; Stuttgart: Motorbuch, 1988 230 p. ISBN 3-613-01227-8
- A picture history.
- Ring, Hans and Girbig, Werner. Jagdgeschwader 27: die Dokumentation
über den Einsatz an allen Fronten 1939-1945; Stuttgart: Motorbuch,
1975 5. Aufl. 367 p. ISBN 3-87943-215-5
- Rökker, Heinz. I. Gruppe Nachtjagdgeschwader 2 - Juli 1940 bis Kriegsende 1945/Fernenachtjagd 1940-1942; Zweibrücken: VDM Heinz Nickel, 1997 ? p. ISBN 3-925480-21-8
- Another notable veteran with another unit history. A day-to-day account of this units activities with losses and claims. Would appear to be an expanded war diary. Many appendixes with COs, victories, personnel, etc. Photos. Jim Perry
- Rossiwall, Theodor. Fliegerlegende: einer Staffel Ringen mit dem
Krieg; Neckargemund: K. Vowinckel, 1964 195 p.
- Scheidl, Wilhelm. Der Weg der Fliegerstaffel 3.(H)/14 vom Anschluss Osterreichs an Deutschland bis zum Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges (1938-1945); Austria: M. Junglehner, 1994? 158 p.
- Schlaug, Georg. Die deutschen Lastensegler-Verbände 1937-1945:
Eine Chronik aus Berichten, Tagebüchern, Dokumentation; Stuttgart: Motorbuch, 1985 296 p. ISBN 3-613-01065-8
- Excellent history of German glider units. Jason Long
- Schlaug, Georg. Die II. Kampfgeschwader zur besonderen Verwendung 1 1938-1943 umbenannt in II. Transportgeschwader 1: Erinnerungen, Photos, Dokumente; Hannover?: Kameradschaft ehemaliger Transportflieger, 1989 250 p.
- A superlative work on an obscure type of unit of which I wish more was written. Lists dates of tenure at airfields and month by month strengths. Jason Long
- Schmidt, Rudi. Achtung -- Torpedo los!: Der strategische und operative
Einsatz des Kampfgeschwader 26 -Löwengeschwader-: Das Torpedogeschwader der deutschen Luftwaffe im Zweiten Weltkrieg; Koblenz: Bernard & Graefe, 1991 381 p. ISBN 3-7637-5885-2
- Scutts, Jerry. Luftwaffe Bomber Units, 1939-41; London: Osprey, 1978 48 p. ISBN 0-85045-279-1
- Part of Osprey's Airwar series and suffers from the main limitation of that
series, e.g. lack of space. Superceded by more recent works.
- Scutts, Jerry. Luftwaffe Fighter Units: Europe, September 1939-June
1941; London: Osprey, 1977 48 p. ISBN 0-85045-204-X
- Part of Osprey's Airwar series and suffers from the main limitation of that
series, e.g. lack of space. Superceded by more recent works.
- Scutts, Jerry. Luftwaffe Night Fighter Units 1939-1945; London:
Osprey, 1978 48 p. ISBN 0-85045-232-5
- Part of Osprey's Airwar series and suffers from the main limitation of that
series, e.g. lack of space. It does give a list of the units, their aircraft, their airbases, and their formation dates, but is otherwise short on specific information. Still a worthwhile introduction if Aders' book isn't available. Jason Long
- Scutts, Jerry. JG 54: Jagdgeschwader 54 Grünherz: Aces of the
Eastern Front; Osceola, WI: Motorbooks International, 1992 167 p. ISBN
0-8738-718-1
- A very frustrating book. It appears as if the author had much additional information on this unit's activities, but chose not to incorporate into the text, perhaps for lack of space. Very difficult to extract firm information. Jason Long
- Shores, Christopher F. Luftwaffe Fighter Units: Europe, 1942-45;
London: Osprey, 1979 48 p. ISBN 0-85045-298-8
- Part of Osprey's Airwar series and suffers from the main limitation of that
series, e.g. lack of space. Superceded by more recent works.
- Smith, Peter C. Stuka Squadron: Stuka Gruppen 77: The Luftwaffe's Fire
Brigade; Wellingtonborough, Northants: Patrick Stephens, 1990 192 p. ISBN 1-85260-286-4
- A very annoying book. Badly edited and replete with errors, mostly of a minor nature. Much of the text reads as if it was lifted directly from a contemporary diary while a bewildering array of names parade through the text. A major disappointment from a normally reliable author. Some useful information on unit movement and re-equipment can be gleaned amongst all the dross. SG 77 needs a better memorial than this. Jason Long
A well-researched and well-illustrated history of I. Gruppe Sturzkampfgeschwader 77 from before the war until 1944, when it gave up its Ju 87s and became a ground attack unit. Alfred Price
- Stahl, P. W. KG 200: The True Story; New York: Jane's, 1981 206 p.
ISBN 0-531-03729-0
- Translation of Geheim-Geschwader KG 200: Die Wahrheit nach 40 Jahren.
- Stipdonk, Paul and Meyer, Michael. Das Jagdgeschwader 51: Eine Bilddokumentation über die Jahre 1938-1945; ?: Heinz Nickel, 1996 316 p. ISBN 3-925480-17-X
- The book is purely pictorial in content, and though the captioning is questionable in some places, probably 90+ % of these photos are previously unpublished. Reproduction quality is superb and many of these shots absolute gems. A must. Jim Perry
- Urbanke, Axel. Green Hearts: First in Combat with the Dora 9; Hamilton, MT: Eagle Editions, 1998 351 p. ISBN 0-9660706-0-7
- History of III./JG 54 and JG 26 in late '44 and '45 with their Fw 190D-9s.
- Valtonen, Hannu. Lento-osasto Kuhlmey: Saksan Luftwaffe Suomen tukena kesalla 1944; [Tikkakoski] : Keski-Suomen ilmailumuseo, [1991] 236 p. ISBN 951-956881-6
- Vanhee, Christiaan. Vinnige Valken, Vlammende Bliksems; ?: ?, 2000 ? p. ISBN
- It is quite a book, if you are interested in Luftwaffe nightfighters. I will recomend it to everybode, who are interested in the airwar during WW II. The picture section is great (understatement of the year). The book is written in Flemish, but is quite unterstandeble for people with just a superficial knowledge of Luftwaffe terms. Carsten Petersen
- Vasco, John J. Bombsights Over England: The History of Erprobungsgruppe 210 Luftwaffe Fighter-Bomber Unit in the Battle of Britain; Norwich: JAC, 1990 104 p. ISBN 0-9515737-0-5
- Each mission flown by the unit is discussed based on aircrew logbooks and accounts. Corrects some misattributions in the historiography of the Battle of Britain where its actions have been mistaken for those of Do 17 units. Jason Long
- Vasco, John J. and Cornwell, Peter D. Zerstörer: Me 110 and its
Units in 1940; Norwich: JAC, 1995 260 p. ISBN 0-9515737-2-1
- A narrative that focuses on the operations of the Me 110 in Norway, France and the Battle of Britain that includes loss lists for the latter two campaigns, but only provides a partial loss list for the first. Excellent information on the formation of the Nachtjägern, but the chronology is somewhat confused. Jason Long
- von Rahden, Reiner. Die Jagdgeschwader "Richtofen" in beiden Weltkriegen; ?: ?, 19? ? p.
- Wadman, David, and et al. Aufklärer: Luftwaffe Reconnaissance Aircraft & Units 1935 - 1945; England: Hikoki Publications, 1997 272 p. ISBN 0-9519899-8-7
- 550 photos, some in colour. 30 selected colour profiles, 100+ unit emblems in colour. Covers Luftwaffe reconnaissance organisation & structure, equipment & cameras, camouflage & markings, brief histories of all known reconnaissance units and a first person narrative of his service by a former (F)/100 & (F)/22 Ar 234 pilot. Dave Wadman
- Waiss, Walter. Kampfgeschwader 27; Neuss: Walter Waiss, 2000 272 p.
- This volume is from 1935 to the end of 1940. It includes a lot of information on names, places, losses and combat. What is realy outstanding is the amount of first-hand reports on combat-missions. This is oral history at its very best, told from the people being there (of course only the German view of events!). Charles Bavaroise
- Wakefield, Kenneth. The First Pathfinders: The Operational History of Kampfgruppe 100 1939-1941; Somerton: Crécy, 1992 256 p. ISBN 0-947554-20-3
- A very nice history of KGr 100. I just wish it extended past July '41. Jason Long
- Weal, John. Jagdgeschwader 2 'Richtofen'; London: Osprey, 2000 128 p. ISBN 1-84176-046-3
- Osprey Aviation Elite 1. Actually come with a bibliography! Jason Long
- Weal, John. Junkers Ju 87 Stukageschwader 1937-1941; London: Osprey, 1997 96 p. ISBN 1-85532-636-1
- Osprey Combat Aircraft 1.
- Weal, John. Messerschmitt Bf 110 Zerstörer Aces of World War 2; London: Osprey, 1999 96 p. ISBN 1-85532-753-8
- Osprey Combat Aircraft 25.
- Wood, Tony and Gunston, Bill. Hitler's Luftwaffe: A Pictorial History
and Technical Encyclopedia of Hitler's Air Power in World War II; New York: Crescent, 1977 248 p. ISBN 0-517-22477-1
- About half of this excellent work covers the history of the Luftwaffe and its wartime operations, the rest is a guide to German aircraft. Beautifully illustrated it also gives a large number of snapshot OBs for various theaters. The details provided must, however, be carefully verified against more up-to-date information, but this is true of virtually everything done before 1980, especially in English. Jason Long