Discover the compelling memoir of a Luftwaffe Fighter Ace, written by Norbert Hannig and translated by John Weal. This paperback edition provides a rare and insightful glimpse into the life of a German fighter pilot during World War II, particularly focusing on the air campaign against the Soviet Union from 1943 to 1945. Hannig's narrative is not only captivating but also historically significant, shedding light on the experiences of the rank and file pilots who were often overlooked in historical accounts. The author began his aviation journey in high school gliding, later becoming an operational pilot with JG54 on the eastern front, where he flew iconic aircraft such as the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Focke-Wulf FW 190. With over 200 missions and 42 confirmed victories, his story encapsulates the fierce dogfights and pivotal moments of aerial warfare. The stunning photographs captured by Hannig throughout his service enhance this already gripping narrative. Published by Grub Street, this book is the ultimate read for military historians, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the realities of combat from a pilot's perspective. The book dimensions are 153 x 234 mm and it contains 192 pages of vivid storytelling. Get your copy today and delve into the enthralling world of a Luftwaffe fighter ace, with delivery available across New Zealand.

Luftwaffe Fighter Ace
Author: Norbert Hannig Publisher: Grub Street
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 153 x 234 mm
Pages: 192
Publication Date: 11-04-2022
By his own, modest, admission Norbert Hannig was a Frontflieger, or operational pilot, who really did nothing special during World War Two. He was just, he says, one of the many rank and file pilots fighting for his country and not for the Fuhrer. But his wartime career makes for fascinating and highly informative reading on an aspect of the 1939-45 war not often covered in the English language; primarily that of the campaign against the Soviet Union. Norbert started flying during high school on gliders and joined the German air force as volunteer and officer cadet, one of the midwar-generation of Luftwaffe fighter pilots. He began operations with JG54 on the eastern (Leningrad) front in March 1943; initially he flew Messerschmitt Bf 109s before transitioning to the Focke-Wulf FW 190. After a year's fighting, he was ordered back to Germany as a flight instructor to oppose the bomber streams of the AAF and RAF. Returning to Russia at the end of 1944, he became a Staffel CO and claimed many aircraft shot down. In April 1945 he converted to the first jet fighter, the Me 262, in south Germany, and flew his last missions with this aircraft. Also serving with JV44 (whose CO was Adolf Galland), Norbert Hannig finished the war with 42 victories from more than 200 missions. Many and varied were his experiences in action against the rejuvenated Soviet air force in the east, and the powerful western Allies over the homeland during the final chaotic months of hostilities, which culminated in his captivity. John Weal's skilful translation ensures that the fluid descriptive style of the author is preserved. Thankfully, also, Norbert was a keen photographer who shot a profusion of images, many of which appear in this important book.