Kilduff, Peter
Just a few short years after man built his first flying machine, Germany's first air force was ready for action; 1910 and 1911 were its formative years, prior to the establishment in 1912 by von Moltke of a separate air arm known as the Fliegertruppe.
The techniques adopted and refined by pilots during the initial stages of the war were reminiscent of a medieval joust, combat consisting of the two foes, armed with hand-held weaponry, coming together at speed. Progress, however, was quite rapid and Germany strove to maintain a lead over her foes, developing such fine fighter aircraft as the Albatros and Fokker series; bombers such as the AEG Gotha and Friedrichshafen series. Skilied and innovative pilots like Immelmann and Boelcke devised many air fighting techniques.
Peter Kilduff has researched the subject for twenty-five years and has interviewed more than a hundred German aviators. He has had unparalleled access to German archives in East and West, thereby enabling him to present full and first-hand accounts of the often-forgotten airmen who were every bit as brave as their more famous compatriots. Air actions in both eastern and western theatres are featured, and the full range of operational aspects is covered, from bombing, reconnaissance, and balloons, to fighter escort, ground-support, and marine interdiction. In addition, lengthy coverage is given to the exploits of Lothar von Richthofen, the Red Baron's highly gifted younger brother.
Diligently researched and magnificently illustrated, Germany's First Air Force is a valuable addition to aviation history and will be welcomed by enthusiasts.
Hardcover with dust jacket
160 Seiten / pages
photos and maps
very good condition
Osceola, Wi, USA - 1991 - Motorbooks International
Art.Nr. 21411
