Paterson, Lawrence Eagles over the Sea. A History of Luftwaffe Maritime Operations. Volöume 1: 1935-1942

The story of Luftwaffe maritime operations has frequently been written about in fragmentary terms, delineating between the planned naval air arm operating under Kriegsmarine direction and the "operational Luftwaffe". Each branch of service - and even aircraft type - has usually been studied in isolation. This book, however, broadens the lens to study the development of German naval aircraft as a whole, not as separate independent services but rather as a concerted attempt to engage the enemy at sea in every theatre of operations, from Norway and Western Europe to the Mediterranean and the Eastern fronts, and, of course, over the Atlantic. Through shipboard aircraft, torpedo bomber attacks, minelaying and reconnaissance missions, Luftwaffe maritime aircraft played a vital role in Germanys naval war and the author analyses all the operations and the successes in the early years of the War. This first volume ends in 1942 when, despite great success, petty rivalry and naked arrogance combined to foreshadow the eventual defeat of the Luftwaffes war at sea. Heavily illustrated throughout, this detailed and exciting operational history will be of huge appeal to both naval and aviation historians and enthusiasts.

The Luftwaffe's seaplanes played a crucial role in the German naval war in the form of shipboard aircraft, torpedo bomber raids, mining and reconnaissance missions, and the author analyses all operations and successes in the early years of the war. This first volume ends in 1942 when, despite great successes, petty rivalry and naked arrogance heralded the final defeat of the Luftwaffe's naval war. This detailed and exciting operational history, fully illustrated, will appeal to naval and aviation historians and enthusiasts alike.