They were operations which continued relentlessly – right up until the very last weeks of the war, even although Germany was militarily and economically on its knees while the Third Reich collapsed in chaos. In this new publication, the story of the Luftwaffe’s attacks on the British Isles is covered through fascinating and insightful content which looks at all aspects of those air operations, bringing that story to life through hundreds of images. Many of those images are colourised, while others are original and contemporary colour images from the period. In total, over 180 of the photographs reproduced in the publication are in colour. Telling the story from the very first attacks in 1939, through the Battle of Britain and the Blitz to the later Tip-and-Run attacks on coastal towns, the publication also explores some of the more unusual and little-known stories relating to the Luftwaffe’s war against Britain. And most of the images used have rarely if ever been seen before – especially those in colour – while many of the photographs are unique to this publication. The story of the Luftwaffe over Britain has never been told in such an all-encompassing and engaging manner before now and the publication will appeal widely to the general enthusiast, the specialist, and those with any interest in the history of the Second World War. Each element of German air attacks is brought vividly to life and incorporates the human story of the Luftwaffe airmen involved, details of the aircraft and equipment, casualties, tactics, the colourful markings and emblems, and some of the more unusual and bizarre stories associated with this fascinating and yet tragic period of British and German military history. The publication is one that is certain to become a sought-after collectors’ item.
Luftwaffe Over Britain 1939-45
Welcome
COLOURISATION ARTIST
Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring • The commander-in-chief of the Luftwaffe throughout the period of air operations against Britain from 1939 – 1945 was Hermann Göring. Convicted as a war criminal, he was also a woefully ineffectual leader of Germany’s air force.
THE GOLDEN PHEASANT
War Clouds Loom • As the spectre of war loomed large across Europe, so the population of Britain braced for the expected devastating onslaught from what was perceived to be an invincible Luftwaffe.
A Deadly Chronology
Luftwaffe Aircraft • In its air operations over the Britain Isles, Germany used a variety of aircraft types between 1939 – 45. Here, we look at the main types in Luftwaffe service.
DORNIER 17 Z-2
DORNIER 217
FOCKE-WULF 190
HEINKEL 111 H-3
HEINKEL 117 A-5 ‘GREIF’
JUNKERS 87 B ‘STUKA’
JUNKERS 88
JUNKERS 188
MESSERSCHMITT BF 109 E
MESSERSCHMITT BF 110 - C
MESSERSCHMITT 410 A-1
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No ‘Red Cross’ Protection • When the Luftwaffe established itself on the northern coastlines of Europe in 1940, they put in place an air-sea-rescue service they hoped would be afforded Geneva Convention protection.
LEGITIMATE TARGETS
When Swastikas were Banned • The swastika was carried prominently on all Luftwaffe aircraft during the Second World War, but for one unit operating over Britain in 1940 the symbol was mysteriously banned by its commanding officer.
THE ACE OF SPADES
War Wear • Military aviators require specialised clothing and equipment to facilitate the rigours of operational flying and to enable communication, life support, safety, and survival in emergencies. Like any air force, the Luftwaffe had its own flying kit.
Mickey Mouse Goes to...
