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Messerschmitt Bf 109 A-E - Willy Radinger - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Messerschmitt Bf 109 A-E - Willy Radinger - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Created by aviation pioneer Willy Messerschmitt, the Bf 109 was an innovative, ground-breaking design. In the face of stiff competition from other German aircraft manufacturers, this powerful, maneuverable and light aircraft was selected as the Luftwaffe’s standard fighter, and it went on to see action in every theater of operations in the Second World War. With more than 33,000 examples built, the Bf 109 is the most-produced fighter aircraft of all time. In 1937 the Bf 109 demonstrated its great performance potential by achieving several impressive victories at the Zurich Air Meet and setting the world speed record of 611 kph. This book describes factually and accurately the development, testing and technology of the Bf 109 as well as the production variants Bf 109A to Bf 10E.

DKK 307.00
1

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 E - David Johnston - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 E - David Johnston - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

The Bf 109 E "Emil" entered service in 1938. The aircraft’s DB 601 engine transformed its performance, making the Messerschmitt fighter one of the most capable anywhere in the world at the time. After seeing action late in the Spanish Civil War, the Emil was Germany’s premier fighter aircraft during the early years of World War II, seeing action over Poland, France and the Low Countries, Great Britain, the Balkans, and North Africa. By the time of “Operation Barbarossa” in June 1941, the Emil had been largely replaced as the Luftwaffe’s main fighter aircraft by the new Bf 109 F; however, it continued in service in the fighter-bomber, reconnaissance, and fighter-training roles. The Bf 109 E was flown by all of Germany’s famed early-war fighter aces, men such as Adolf Galland, Werner Mölders, Helmut Wick, Wilhelm Balthasar, Walther Oesau, and countless others.

DKK 198.00
1

Mini Honda - Gerfried Vogt Moebs - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Mini Honda - Gerfried Vogt Moebs - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Featuring more than 250 archival and new photos, detailed technical data, and first-person stories from passionate Honda mini-motorcycle devotees, this nostalgic and fun compendium presents the complete model history of Honda''s legendary little motorbikes and discusses the unique culture surrounding them. These lightweight mini motorcycles trace their origin back to renowned Japanese engineer Soichiro Honda, who gleaned as much information as possible from European manufacturers before setting out to create something entirely new. Honda’s original model, the C 100 Super Cub, became a global smash hit. Since its release in 1958, more than 100 million Honda Super Cub mini motorcycles have been produced, and it has become the bestselling motorized vehicle in history. Over the years, the Honda company continued to refine and develop its winning formula, following up with additional models, including the Monkey and the Dax. Inexpensive, stylish, and highly customizable, these tiny machines muscled their way into the world’s consciousness, appealing to a variety of people—young and old, motorcycle enthusiasts and novices alike—who valued them for their sophisticated technology and high-quality construction and welcomed them into their lives for a wide range of purposes: transportation, sport, or just plain fun. So, hop on and enjoy a ride into the world of Honda’s iconic mini motorcycles!

DKK 308.00
1

Messerschmitt Bf 109 F, G, & K Series - Peter Rodeike - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Messerschmitt Bf 109 F, G, & K Series - Peter Rodeike - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Noted Luftwaffe historians Jochen Prien and Peter Rodeike present in this brand new book the Messerschmitt BF 109F, G and K models. Over 500 photos - most never published and some in rare color - superb line schemes, and detailed text show the late model "109s" development into the superb fighter of legend. Among the details presented are units which used the F, G and K, production numbers, prototypes, unusual markings and camouflage. Jochen Prien is the author of a three volume study of JG 53 "Pik As." Jochen Prien and Peter Rodeike are renowned historians on the BF 109 and FW 190 and the units that flew them.

DKK 308.00
1

Messerschmitt Bf 110/Me 210/Me 410 - Heinz Mankau - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Messerschmitt Bf 110/Me 210/Me 410 - Heinz Mankau - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

For the first time, this richly illustrated book offers a comprehensive, detailed examination of the legendary Messerschmitt Bf 110, Me 210, and Me 410 series. By 1935 the Bf 109 had made Messerschmitt the leading manufacturer of fighter aircraft in Germany. The twin-engined Bf 110 followed on its heels in 1936, a type the Luftwaffe took on in large numbers as a long-range fighter, heavy-fighter, fighter-bomber, night-fighter and reconnaissance platform. As its successor, Messerschmitt developed the better performing Me 210, which flew for the first time in 1939. But this airframe soon began manifesting serious design flaws, and accidents with the Me 210 quickly started piling up due to the type’s questionable flight handling characteristics. The Luftwaffe refused to accept any more aircraft as a result, and at a stroke the type’s overzealous full scale production ground to a halt. More powerful engines and a number of design changes saw this aircraft produced from 1943 to 1944 under the designation of Me 410, and as such the type gave an excellent accounting of itself in service with the Luftwaffe.

DKK 622.00
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Messerschmitt Bf 110 - Ron Mackay - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Messerschmitt Bf 110 - Ron Mackay - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

The concept of a twin-engine fighter that could accompany bomber formations and effectively drive off defending fighters was the rationale behind the creation of the Messerschmitt Bf 110. Initial operations during 1939–40 seemed to justify its existence, but the generally weak level of aerial opposition bred a false sense of security among the aircrews that was thoroughly blunted during the Battle of Britain. Better fortune attended the Zerstörer ''s (Destroyer) operational career when utilized in two alternative ways. First, it proved a steady platform for ground-attack duties, given its heavy cannon and machine gun battery. Even more effective was the switch to a night fighter function, where it proved a deadly weapon along with its Ju 88 contemporary in Germany''s Home Defense against the nocturnal operations launched by RAF Bomber Command. Part of the Legends of Warfare series.

DKK 198.00
1

Messerschmitt Bf109 F-K - Willy Radinger - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Messerschmitt Bf109 F-K - Willy Radinger - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

As the Luftwaffe’s standard fighter, beginning in 1937 the Bf 109 was produced in large numbers and after the outbreak of the Second World War saw action over every front. With this light, high-performance aircraft Professor Willy Messerschmitt had created a ground-breaking design. The Bf 109 had to remain in continuous development in order to keep pace with advances in Allied fighter design. 1941 saw the advent of the Bf 109 F, a clearly improved version, which was soon replaced by the more powerful and better armed Bf 109 G. The Bf 109 H high-altitude fighter reached a ceiling of 14,000 meters, and the Bf 109 K, the most potent of all the variants of this fighter aircraft, entered production in the last year of the war. This is a complete summary of all versions from the Bf 109 F to K with many photographs, some never before published, and details.

DKK 310.00
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German Eagles in Spanish Skies - David Johnston - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

German Eagles in Spanish Skies - David Johnston - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Willy Messerschmitt''s Bf 109 is among the most famous fighter aircraft in the history of military aviation, and it was during the Spanish Civil War that it first saw combat. Using newly discovered records, the author describes the Bf 109''s operational career with the Legion Condor, the German military unit that fought in Spain. The text is enhanced by many personal accounts written by the pilots who flew the Bf 109 in Spain, with descriptions of combat and other aspects of life in Spain from 1936 to 1939. All versions of the Bf 109 that served in Spain are described, accompanied by illustrations from the pilots'' notes. The book is illustrated with 235 photos—most never before published—and technical drawings. Appendixes provide detailed descriptions of the fourteen Bf 109 A fighters sent to Spain, biographies of selected pilots who served there, and a copy of J/88''s victory list from the estate of a former Legion fighter pilot.

DKK 399.00
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Messerschmitt Bf 110 - John J. Vasco - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Messerschmitt Bf 110 - John J. Vasco - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Bombsights over England records in depth the activities of Erpobungsgruppe 210 over southern England during the bitter fighting of summer 1940. The work contains 178 pages with over 270 photographs, colored artwork and 6 appendices. Formed on July 1, 1940 at Köln-Ostheim under the command of Swiss-born Hauptmann Walter Rubensdörffer, Erprobungsgruppe 210 was given the task of operationally testing the standard fighters on charge with the Luftwaffe in new and different roles. Although the flying personnel were not ''specialists'', their duties were undoubtedly of a specialist nature. Their main role was the use of the Messerschmitt 109 and 110 as fighter-bombers using neither the level flight of the conventional bomber nor the steep dive of the Stuka. The mode of attack was the shallow dive, using only the standard ''Revi'' gunsight as a ''bombsight'' to line-up the target. They were also the only unit in 1940 to operate the Messerschmitt Bf 110C-6, the version that carried a 30mm. MG 101 Kanone in place of the standard 2X20mm. Kanone. Also, information is provided on ''Seibomben'', a weapon which the unit would have used to black-out the electricity network in the south-east of England had an invasion taken place in 1940. The heavy commitment of the unit to operations during the Battle of Britain took its toll: four commanding officers were lost in action between 15th August and 5th October. The unit also received the highest number of awards of the Knight''s Cross of the Iron Cross for a single Gruppe in 1940 - four. The author spent many years researching the unit, and as well as providing further information on the many well-known missions it undertook, information is provided on those not previously ascribed to it. Photographs have mainly been drawn from private collections of former members, or relatives of those killed in action, with more than double the number in the first edition. In filling a significant gap concerning Luftwafe fighter-bomber raids over England during the Battle of Britain, and correcting the still frequent inaccuracies which are to be seen in other written works concerning the unit, this work will appeal to the general reader, enthusiast, and modeler alike.

DKK 410.00
1

Focke-Wulf Fw 190A - Dietmar Hermann - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Focke-Wulf Fw 190A - Dietmar Hermann - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

This book deals with the development history and testing of this fighter aircraft and production of the early variants of the Fw 190 A. An interesting comparison between the Bf 109 and the Fw 190 shows the strengths and weaknesses of the two aircraft, and authentic reports by former test pilots of Focke-Wulf and the Rechlin Test Station document the aircraft’s performance. Also covered are the later torpedo-carrier and reconnaissance versions of the Fw 190. Together with the Messerschmitt Bf 109, the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 formed the standard equipment of the German fighter arm in the Second World War and today is considered one of the most capable fighters of that period. Initial flight trials in 1939 revealed a number of shortcomings, nevertheless the basic concept of the Fw 190 proved extremely successful. In contrast to the Bf 109, which was powered by a liquid-cooled, inverted-vee engine, in developing the Fw 190 Prof. Kurt Tank selected the BMW 801, an air-cooled radial engine that was less sensitive to battle damage. The broad-track undercarriage also gave the Focke-Wulf fighter much superior takeoff and landing characteristics. The Fw 190 entered quantity production by Focke-Wulf and license manufacturers Fieseler, AGO and Arado in 1941. It proved an immediate success in combat operations in 1942, proving itself superior to the Spitfire in some respects. Lavishly illustrated with photographs and drawings, many of which have not been published before, this book provides both aircraft enthusiasts and modelers with a wealth of information, and fills a gap in the history of aircraft design in Germany.

DKK 307.00
1

Focke-Wulf Fw 187 - Dietmar Hermann - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Focke-Wulf Fw 187 - Dietmar Hermann - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

The twin-engined Focke-Wulf Fw 187 was a contemporary of the Messerschmitt Bf 110, however production was limited to a handful of prototypes. So far the story of this largely forgotten fighter has been shrouded in darkness. Developed by Professor Kurt Tank, the Fw 187 first flew in the summer of 1937. Not only was it faster than any other German fighter with similar engines, it was also earmarked for record attempts which had to be abandoned with the outbreak of war. The debacle of the Me 210, which was supposed to succeed the Bf 110, revived the Fw 187’s fortunes. With a speed of 700 km/h, it was faster than any contemporary fighter and was considered as a replacement for the Me 210. Once again, however, no production contract was forthcoming. The few Fw 187s built served in industry defense and were later operated by the Vaerløse Aerial Gunnery School. This little-known aircraft is documented with numerous photographs and drawings, many of them never before published. This is a book for aviation enthusiasts and modelers, which closes a significant gap in German aviation history.

DKK 267.00
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Spitfire, Vol. 1 - Ron Mackay - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Spitfire, Vol. 1 - Ron Mackay - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

This first of two volumes on the Supermarine Spitfire covers the design, testing, development, and early WWII combat use of the famed British fighter aircraft''s initial variants. The Spitfire in its original marques up to the Mk. VII provided a platform that allowed the Royal Air Force to challenge the German Luftwaffe''s Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Focke-Wulf Fw 190 fighters during the 1939–1942 period of WWII. The book also covers the Seafire Marques I to III, which provided similarly valuable service for the British Navy''s Fleet Air Arm.

DKK 198.00
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Innovations in Aircraft Construction - Hans Redemann - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Innovations in Aircraft Construction - Hans Redemann - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

From the Wright Brothers' famous "Wright Flyer" in 1903, to the "Concorde" in 1969 this book emphasizes the great strides made in aircraft construction in the sixty-six years between these two famous designs. Presented in chronological order are thirty-seven classic designs that changed the history of flight: The Wright Flyer, Junkers J1, Fokker Dr. I, Junkers Ju 52, Polikarpov I-16, Messerschmitt Bf 109, Boeing B-17, Douglas DC-3/C-47, Messerschmitt Bf 110, Junkers Ju 88, Macchi MC.200-207, Messerschmitt Me 209, Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa, Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Heinkel He 178, Hawker Tornadeo/Typhoon, Ilyushin II-2 Sturmovik, Arado Ar 240, Chance Vought F4U Corsair, North American P-51 Mustang, De Havilland Mosquito, Messerschmitt Me 262, Hawker Tempest, Arado Ar 234, Dornier Do 335, Republic F-84F Thunderstreak, Hawker Hunter, North American F-100 Super Sabre, Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, Saab J35 Draken, Vought F-8 Crusader, Mikoyan/Gurevich MiG-21, Dassault-Breguet Mirage III/5, Northrop T-38 Talon, Hawker Siddeley Harrier, Dornier Do 31 and the Aerospatiale/BAC Concorde. Each aircraft is shown in photographs, scale line drawings from various perspectives, and presents the various models, prototypes and export models - technical aspects and measurements are also given.

DKK 268.00
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Luftwaffe Fighter Aircraft in Profile - Christer Bergstrom - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Luftwaffe Fighter Aircraft in Profile - Christer Bergstrom - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

A superb study for both the historian and modeler, this book contains 124 color profiles showing Luftwaffe single-engine fighter aircraft - Bf 109, Fw 190, Ta 152, Me 262, Me 163, and He 162 - once piloted by some of the most famous German aces of World War II. Also shown are war-era photographs of select aircraft and pilots. The book begins with a summary of Luftwaffe fighter camouflage and color schemes on the various war fronts, then explains unit markings, tactical codes, personal markings and other markings. Luftwaffe Fighter Aircraft in Profile serves as the perfect introduction to the history of the German Luftwaffe in World War II. At the same time, it is an indispensable volume to the aircraft modeler.

DKK 308.00
1

On the Highways of the Skies - Martin W. Bowman - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

On the Highways of the Skies - Martin W. Bowman - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

The story in words and pictures, many of them never before seen, of the U.S. 8th Air Force fighter and bomber groups of the 1st, 2nd and Third Air Divisions 1942-45. Many first person stories tell what comnbat was like in the skies in the ETO against the Luftwaffe Gruppes of Bf 109s and Fw 190s and the B-17 Flying Fortresses and B -24 Liberators. Many first hand accounts detail the frenetic missions that were fraught with flak and fighters as the U.S. Strategic Offensive reached into the deepest parts of the Reich. Also told are stories from the Luftwaffe experten who opposed the bomber fleets and the fighter escorts as they sounded the death knell of the Luftwaffe.

DKK 549.00
1

9.Staffel/Jagdgeschwader 26 - John J. Vasco - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

9.Staffel/Jagdgeschwader 26 - John J. Vasco - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

This book is a short photo-history of one Luftwaffe fighter Staffel, predominantly showing the Battle of Britain period, up to the point when Willy Fronhöfer belly-landed his Bf 109 E-4, Yellow 10, W. Nr. 1184, at Jubilee Hall Farm, Ulcombe, on 31st August 1940 following combat with Pilot Officer Colin Gray of 54 Squadron. The photographs record not only aircraft, but personalities of the Staffel flying and ground personnel’s scenes of daily life, the devastation found as the Staffel advanced through occupied territory, the enemy aircraft found destroyed or abandoned, and a population made transient by the horror of war. It is a unique, brief insight into a very small section of the German war machine as it enjoyed unparalleled success in its push across western Europe in the spring and summer of 1940.

DKK 307.00
1

Zerstorergruppe - Ludwig Von Eimannsberger - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Zerstorergruppe - Ludwig Von Eimannsberger - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

This book is the history of V./(Z)LG 1, a Zerstörergruppe (destroyer-group) which, like most of the Luftwaffe destroyer units equipped with the Messerschmitt Bf 110 twin-engined heavy fighter, was disbanded at the end of 1940 after suffering devastating losses during the Battle of Britain. From the remnants of these Zerstörer units evolved night-fighter units; in this case I./Nachtjagdgeschwader 3 which was derived from V./(Z)LG 1. Only a few of the airmen who continued to fly operationally survived the end of the war. Covered are all air operations during the campaigns in Poland, France, and in particular detail the Battle of Britain, where the unit suffered heavy casualties that led to their reformation in October 1940 as I./NJG 3. Included are over 500 photographs from the personal archives of surviving air- and groundcrewmen – nearly all are previously unpublished. Detailed appendices list casualties, air operations, documents and other data.

DKK 534.00
1

Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen": - Holger Nauroth - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen": - Holger Nauroth - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

The legendary World War II Luftwaffe fighter unit Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen" is the subject of this new, large-format, illustrated volume. Tracing their history back to World War I fighter ace Manfred von Richthofen (the legendary "Red Baron"), JG 2 was at the forefront of aerial combat. Flying the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 fighters during World War II, JG 2 produced many famous aces - among them Wilhelm Balthasar, Walter Oesau, Egon Mayer, Hans Hahn, Erich Rudorfer, and Helmut Wick. Using a day-to-day chronology, the book covers JG 2''s combat history during the early campaigns in Poland and France, through the Battle of Britain, North Africa, and in the later defense of the Reich battles. A short chapter also covers their post-World War II transformation to JG 71 "Richtohofen" under the command of Erich Hartmann, when they flew the F-86, F-104 and F-4 Phantom.

DKK 549.00
1

Messerschmitt Me 321/323 - Hans Peter Dabrowski - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Messerschmitt Me 321/323 - Hans Peter Dabrowski - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

The Luftwaffe's legendary Gigant (Giant) is covered in this large, detailed, and highly illustrated volume. Wherever the Messerschmitt Me 321 appeared at the front during World War II it produced tremendous astonishment. Most soldiers had never seen anything like it. The huge glider with a wingspan of fifty-five meters was towed by three Bf 110s, or a five-engined He 111Z. Such an aircraft could carry up to twenty-two metric tons of freight: fuel, ammunition, trucks, tanks, 100 fully equipped troops and more. Even the Me 323D version, powered by six radial engines, was capable of carrying thirteen metric tons of freight to the front - and was a juicy target for the enemy. In the Mediterranean theater, they were pitilessly chased from the air and bombed and strafed on the ground. Only one Transportgeschwader was equipped with the Me 323. Everything about the type was strictly secret - even the Gruppen equipped with the type knew little about each other.

DKK 447.00
1

Focke-Wulf Ta 152 - Dietmar Harmann - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Focke-Wulf Ta 152 - Dietmar Harmann - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

From the time of its appearance in 1939 the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 was one of the best fighter aircraft of the Second World War – a masterpiece produced by chief designer Kurt Tank. In 1943 he developed a new fighter aircraft based on this successful concept. The project soon deviated far from the original Fw 190 concept and as an honor to the designer it was designated the Ta 152. The great performance potential of this fighter was obvious from the very first prototypes of the Ta 152A and Ta 152C. Unfortunately, however, production was limited to a few examples. But at the same time Focke-Wulf was developing the Ta 152H high-altitude fighter which, powered by the Jumo 213E and equipped with a pressurized cockpit, was capable of reaching altitudes on the order of 35,000 feet and speeds in excess of 430 mph. A few Ta 152Hs saw action at the beginning of 1945 and they made an excellent impression on their pilots. Compared to the older fighters they exhibited significantly better flight characteristics and performance at high altitude. The Ta 152 could also stand up to the best Allied fighter aircraft, such as the American P-51 Mustang. On account of its unfamiliar shape the pilots of Bf 109s sometimes mistook it for an enemy aircraft and attacked. The heavy Allied bombing at the end of the war prevented production from beginning as planned, and as a result only a very few Ta 152Hs could be delivered. With the aid of a large number of photographs – some previously unpublished – and drawings, this book details the development history of the Ta 152, one of the most advanced fighter aircraft of its day. But it also illustrates the hopelessness of Germany’s efforts late in the war to deploy advanced aircraft in large numbers.

DKK 269.00
1

Jagdeschwader 53 Vol. I - Jochen Prien - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Jagdeschwader 53 Vol. I - Jochen Prien - Bog - Schiffer Publishing Ltd - Plusbog.dk

Jagdegeschwader 53 - or as it was better known, the "Pik As" (Ace of Spades) Geschwader - was one of the oldest German fighter units of World War II with its origins going back to the year 1937. This first volume, of a planned three volume set, covers the early years of the Geschwader from its founding in the spring of 1937 up to May of 1942. This book appears here for the first time in English, and contains over 200 additional photos not published in the original German language edition. The book also contains revised text and maps, and aircraft line drawings, as well as updated aerial victory and loss listings. The service record of JG53 can undoubtedly be regarded as uniquely representative for the rise and fall of the Luftwaffe, with the unit seeing action on every major war front. JG53 had a considerable share in the successes achieved by the Luftwaffe in the early stages of the war in the West, and at the outset of the war in the East until mid-1942, and through the tough battles fought over the Mediterranean fronts and suffering bitter losses in the vain attempt to stop the Allied bomber-offensive against the Reich. Equipped exclusivedly with the legendary Messerschmitt Bf 109, JG 53 "Pik-As" first saw front line action in the southwest of the German Reich, where at that time the only direct border line with France was the stage for some of the first clashes with the French Armee de''l Air as well as parts of the Royal Air Force''s BEF, and became the Luftwaffe''s most successful unit during the so called "Phony War." When on May 10, 1940, the Wehrmacht invaded France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, the "Pik-As" Geschwader was in the center of the action and during the six weeks of fighting in the West the Geschwader continued to prove its outstanding fighting qualities, and ranked highly amongst the top scoring Luftwaffe units when the cease-fire became effective on June 25, 1940. JG 53 later took part in the Luftwaff''s foreseeably futile attempt to subdue Great Britain by ways of a strategic aerial campaign in the summer and autumn of 1940 which, although the pilots of JG 53 gave their utmost and took a heavy toll from the defending British Spitfires and Hurricanes, cost the Geschwader sad and irreplaceable losses. Given only a short time to recover and re-equip in the Reich at the beginning of 1941, and after another short period of action on the Channel Coast between April and early June 1941, the "Pik-As" Geschwader along with a majority of the Luftwaffe forces was moved to the East, where it took part in German invasion of the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941. After only a few months of service on the Eastern front at a time when the complete failure of the German war effort against the Soviet Union was just beginning to become apparent, JG 53 was withdrawn to the Reich for another short period of rest and re-equipping, though two of its Gruppen were posted to the Netherlands in the fall of 1941, where they saw comparatively little action. This changed completely when at the end of 1941 the entire Geschwader was transferred to the Mediterranean theatre of operations, where III. Gruppe was first sent to North Africa to take part in the dramatic struggle there, while the remainder of the Geschwader went to Sicily as part of the offensive forces of the Luftwaffe that were concentrated there for the planned air offensive against the British island fortress of Malta, later to be joined by III. Gruppe after its return from Africa. Iochen Prien is also the author, with Peter Rodeike, of Messerschmitt Bf 109 F/G/K Series: An Illustrated Study (available from Schiffer Publishing Ltd.).

DKK 687.00
1