Germany's air force, the Luftwaffe, played a critical role in the Third Reich's victories in the early part of World War II, providing the airborne component of the German forces' irresistible Blitzkrieg ('lightning war') tactics that swept all armies before it from 1939 to 1942. Broken down by campaign and key battles within each theatre of war, Order of Battle: German Luftwaffe in World War II illustrates the strengths and organizational structures of the Third Reich's air force, building into a detailed compendium of information. Full-colour order of battle tree diagrams at Luftflotten, Gruppe, Fliegerkorps and squadron level help the reader quickly understand how and where bomber (Kampfgeschwader), fighter (Jagdgeschwader), divebomber (Stukageschwader) and reconnaissance (Aufklarungsgruppe) units were employed. Quick reference tables provide unit strengths, aircraft types and base locations, while profile diagrams show typical numbers of aircraft at squadron level. With extensive organizational diagrams, tables and full-colour campaign maps, Order of Battle: German Luftwaffe in World War II is an attractive, easy-to-use guide to the German air force of World War II. The book is an essential reference for any serious enthusiast of air warfare in the twentieth century.

Author Biography

Dr Chris McNab is a writer and editor specialising in military history, with a major research interest in the evolution of modern manoeuvre warfare. He has written or contributed to numerous titles, including Campaigns of World War II, Order of Battle: German Kriegsmarine, Order of Battle: German Luftwaffe, World War II Data Book: The Third Reich, 1933-45 and World War II Data Book: The SS, 1923-45.