New Book - Die Ritterkreuzträger der Kampfflieger - Volume 1

[hucks216]

Just thought I'd highlight the release of this book in case people were unaware of it. It is a dual German/English text and limited to 600 copies...

http://www.luftfahrtverlag-start.de/...pffliegerBand1

I've just ordered a copy so hopefully I can give an opinion about it soon.

[Leroy]

Looks like it might be a great addition to go with Obermaier's "Stuka-und- Kampflieger" RK book from years ago! Thanks for alerting us.

[Mike Davis]

I have ordered also. If it is of the same quality as Endkampf I will be pleased.

[Mark C. Yerger]

Got mine a few days ago, as good as Obermaier's first 2 vols (his archive used) but better paper, etc.

Excellent reference, hope they finish the series

[hucks216]

If you follow the link to the AHF a friend of the author has taken a couple of photos of the book contents. It does look like a quality book. As I understand it Vol 2 is being worked on at the moment and will also feature an appendix with additions & corrections to Vol 1... ....
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtop...50124#p1550124

[hucks216]

My copy of Volume 1 arrived yesterday and my first impression is that it is a very good publication. It uses as its foundation the research that Ernst Obermaier had obtained for his intended publication on this subject matter (as mentioned by Mark) to compliment his previous books on Jagd & Stuka/Schlachtflieger RKTs but due to his death in 1997 wasn't able to finish. In addition to this the author has conducted 10 years worth of further research to produce this book, one that fills a void. The basic format is that Swords & Oakleaf winners get a page to themselves while those who 'only' won the RK are 2 to a page. The information given is the Date & Place Of Birth & Death, the recipients final rank, the dates he was awarded the various grades of the RK as well as the Ehrenpokal & DKiG with the rank held at the time followed by a biographical section which includes, where known, the total of sorties flown - one piece of information I didn't know was that missions that lasted for 4 hours or more counted double.
One page contains the German language portion while the same area on the opposite page contains the English translation which has the added bonus that it has been possible to add extra photographs rather then just sticking to a portrait photo next to each header.
The book is bigger than I thought it would be and the paper used is excellent quality, as are the images.

I would recommend this publication to anyone who has an interest in the men who won the high awards of the Luftwaffe. I look forward to Volume 2

[Leroy]

Looks like it might be a great addition to go with Obermaier's "Stuka-und- Kampflieger" RK book from years ago! Thanks for alerting us.

I meant to say "Stuka-und-Schlachtflieger"! Sitting right next to me and I didn't get it right.

Read some more reviews and it looks very well-done and worth having. Limited publication, too, so I'll go ahead and order.

[Leroy]

Received my copy today. Really fast and courteous service and, even better, a great book!

[Klaus Richter]

Excellent book! Volume II is supposed to come out in the end of summer 2011.

[stgeorge64]

I have to add my 2p to this thread as this is without the best book I have purchased this year by a mile.

While the Jagdflieger Knights Cross recipients have been extensively covered in the past, their Kampfflieger counterparts have been largely ignored.

The level of research and subsequent quality of presentation set this work on Knights Cross bearers to a new level.

I also await Volume 2 eagerly and hope that the Aufklarungsflieger and Transportflieger Knights Cross bearers are represented in a similar fashion.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Regards Richard.

[Mike Davis]

Just received volume 2, fantastic quality!

[Klaus Richter]

I received Volume 2 as well. Absolutely brilliant!

[AndyC]

Hi

Is there any Paul Günther listed in those books?
Ritterkreuz 2 feb 1945, i am looking after a photo of him


Andy

[Mike Davis]

Hi

Is there any Paul Günther listed in those books?
Ritterkreuz 2 feb 1945, i am looking after a photo of him


Andy

I checked. He would have appeared in vol. 1 but is not listed.

[Mark C. Yerger]

I hope they continue with the small misc other flight units. A superlative effort by publisher and authors. 1 of the 2 best books I got in the past year.