Jagdgeschwader 7 "Nowotny" (Aviation Elite Units)

Robert Forsyth

ISBN 10: 1846033209 / ISBN 13: 9781846033209

Published by Osprey Publishing Ltd, 2008

Seller Inventory # 181314576

Synopsis:

When the revolutionary Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter first appeared in the skies over northwest Europe in mid-1944, it represented the greatest challenge to Allied air superiority since the Battle of Britain. The first group to solely fly jet fighters, Jagdgeschwader 7 was formed out of the test unit Kommando Nowotny, and was tasked with taking back command of the skies. Put almost immediately into action, despite fuel shortages, poor training and problems with the jet engine, victories quickly followed against both US and British aircraft, including at least one Mosquito.

By the end of the war, the Jagdgeschwader had claimed nearly 200 enemy aircraft destroyed in daylight bomber raids during 1945. Fighter aces and those who became jet aces with JG 7 included Heinrich Ehrler (201 victories), Ernst-Wilhelm Reinert (174 victories) and Hans Waldmann (132 victories). This book follows the history of the revolutionary JG 7 unit, examining how their courage, determination and the most advanced aircraft in the world were simply not enough to ensure victory. In the final section of the book Robert Forsyth details how JG 7 eventually became ground down by losses, restricted operating conditions, lack of fuel and overwhelming Allied fighter strength, culminating in final surrender in May 1945, but not without scoring some of the final aerial victories of World War 2.

About the Authors: Robert Forsyth is an author, editor and publisher, specializing in military aviation and military history. He is the author of over 30 titles for Osprey Publishing on the aircraft, units and operations of the Luftwaffe, an interest he has held since boyhood. He has written articles for The Aviation Historian, Aerojournal, Aeroplane Monthly, Aviation News, Combat Aircraft, and FlyPast and he is a member of the Editorial Board of The Aviation Historian.

Mark Postlethwaite was born in Leicestershire in 1964 and has developed a lifelong passion for aviation history. He first worked as a photographer before turning his attention solely to artwork, and is now highly regarded in his field for the quality and accuracy of his work. He became the youngest elected member of the Guild of Aviation Artists in 1991. Mark is a valued Osprey artist and has contributed to more than 100 of its books.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Jagdgeschwader 7 "Nowotny" (Aviation Elite ...
Publisher: Osprey Publishing Ltd
Publication Date: 2008
Binding: Soft cover
Illustrator: Postlethwaite, Mark
Condition: New