The Luftwaffe Data Book

This single volume reference book is a valuable source book presenting a remarkable range of data, from the organization of the Luftwaffe High Command to details of unit identification markings on the aircraft. '

Price takes a new and innovative approach to the study of the German armed forces under the Nazis and rewrites the book on it. He does not shy away from recognising strengths and breadth of vision of Germany's military heirarchy whilst at the same time deploring the moral anarchy of the Nazi regime. All of this is delivered in crisp, clear, authoratative prose. The scholarship of the work stands clear. If only analysts of this capability and foresight were available to the Allies in 1940 ! The war might have been over sooner. --David Kirk

Before the Second World War, Hitler forced the Air Force into frantic expansion, then declared war before they were ready. Starting from a mix of civilian administrative regions and operational units, campaigns gobbled up Denmark, Norway, Holland, Belgium and France. After conquering territory, they re-organized geographic areas of responsibility and juggled units. Much of this book is tables and maps representing these areas. Some were night and others covered day defense. Then there were units, their equipment and locations. Price continues with details of the very large Flak arm; not often considered in the balance-of-forces with Allied air forces. 'At the outbreak of war nearly a million men, almost two-thirds of the total Luftwaffe manpower, served in the Flak arm.... The size of this arm gradually increased until at its peak in the autumn of 1944 there were 1,250,000 men and women--about half the personnel strength of the Luftwaffe--so employed. ' (p. 230) Of course, after 1942, the Allies were on the offensive, and they did not need to defend as large a territory. So the Flak units had elaborate structure: Korps> Divisionen> Brigaden> Regenter> Abteilungen. Price reviews the ammunition, pictures of typical cannon, their siting and radius of engagement. However, they never developed the proximity fuse- The deadly fuze: The secret weapon of World War II. It might have destroyed many more planes. Training and its inadequacies take one short chapter. Briefly, special weapons and their deployment are covered. Excellent bibliography, list of aces, aircraft staffel codes and fuselage markings, brief biographies of key Luftwaffe figures. See also: Luftwaffe, Luftwaffe Handbook, 1939-1945. --By R. Drew

Alfred Price is a noted aviation historian, many of his published works deal with the Luftwaffe. This slim volume has the essential background information for anyone researching Luftwaffe organization, tactics, and order of battle. Fairly easy to find at used book vendors online. Well recommended for someone looking beyond the personal histories of Luftwaffe pilots. --By 10th Legion