The Luftwaffe at War 1939-45

Author: A. Galland, K. Ries, R. Ahnert
Publisher: Henrey Regnery Co Chicago
Edition: First
Cover: Hardcover w/Dust Cover
Published: 1972
German

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Synopsis: This collaborative work by Adolf Galland, Karl Ries, and Ring Ahnert represents one of the most authoritative examinations of German air operations during World War II, written by participants who witnessed and shaped many of the events they describe. General Adolf Galland, former General of the Fighter Arm, brings the perspective of high command decision-making, while Ries and Ahnert contribute detailed operational analysis and technical expertise. Together, they create a comprehensive assessment of how the Luftwaffe evolved from a seemingly invincible force in 1939 to its ultimate destruction six years later. The book begins with the Luftwaffe's triumphant early campaigns in Poland, Norway, France, and the Low Countries, when German air power appeared to revolutionize warfare through innovative tactics and superior technology. The authors detail how concepts like close air support and strategic paralysis through precision bombing initially gave German forces decisive advantages over enemies still fighting according to World War I concepts. Galland's insider perspective reveals the internal debates and strategic decisions that shaped Luftwaffe doctrine, including the fateful emphasis on tactical support over strategic bombing capability. The work extensively examines the Battle of Britain, which Galland personally commanded as a fighter leader, providing unique insights into why the campaign failed despite initial German advantages. The authors honestly assess the strategic errors that prevented German air power from achieving its objectives, including inadequate intelligence about British capabilities and the decision to shift from attacking airfields to bombing cities. The book's treatment of the Eastern Front campaign reveals how the vast scale of operations gradually overwhelmed German resources despite achieving remarkable initial success. Through detailed analysis of major air battles and campaign statistics, the authors demonstrate how the Luftwaffe's destruction of Soviet air power in 1941 proved ultimately pyrrhic as Soviet industry produced replacement aircraft faster than Germany could destroy them. The work doesn't shy away from examining German failures, including the disastrous decision to guarantee air supply for encircled forces at Stalingrad and the inability to prevent Allied strategic bombing of German industry. Galland's perspective as a fighter commander provides particular insight into the gradual erosion of German pilot quality as experienced aviators were killed or captured faster than they could be replaced. The authors detail how technological developments like jet aircraft and guided missiles offered potential solutions to German disadvantages but arrived too late to influence the war's outcome. The book also examines the role of personalities and politics in shaping Luftwaffe operations, including conflicts between different service branches and the impact of Nazi ideology on military decision-making. Through careful analysis of production figures, loss rates, and operational statistics, the authors present a balanced assessment of German air power's achievements and failures. This work remains essential reading for understanding how the world's most advanced air force in 1939 was systematically destroyed by enemies it had initially outclassed, providing valuable lessons about the relationship between tactical excellence and strategic wisdom in modern warfare.

The Luftwaffe at War 1939-45, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.