When World War II began, Germanys Luftwaffe was the most powerful air force on the battlefield, achieving victory after victory in combination with the German Army. However, as other great powers rose to combat Hitler, the supremacy of the German air force soon began to decline. The German Industry could hardly match the vast production of Allied aircraft. Nevertheless, while flying till they die, Luftwaffe pilots continued to write a record of heroism and innovation until the end of the war. This book is the result of a comprehensive study of the uniforms and flight equipment used by the Luftwaffe personnel from 1935 to 1945. From their service and flight uniforms to the flight equipment, gathered from impressive collections of original artifacts. The experiences of the German airmen are shared as well throughout the pages of this book. Although they unfortunately served a dark cause, their achievements cannot be denied. Each artifact is photographed in detail and presented using high quality, full color photos accompanied by clear explanatory text. More than 150 high quality photographs included, some of them published for the very first time. The book has been divided into four parts: The first contains a brief historical introduction and the basic organization of the Luftwaffe. The second part is dedicated to the service and walk-out uniforms, while the flight uniforms, equipment and weapons are explained in the third part. The book ends with an essay of the men behind the machines that includes the story of a German airman as told through his awards and documents. Armchair historians of WWII, serious collectors, libraries and archives, anyone with an interest in military aviation will be enthralled by this fascinating look inside one of the most legendary air forces ever to take to the skies.
At the beginning of the Second World War, the Luftwaffe of the German Reich was the strongest air force in Europe, achieving victory after victory together with the other parts of the Wehrmacht. However, as more and more major powers opposed the Hitler regime, the superiority of the German Luftwaffe gradually began to wane. The German war economy could no longer keep pace with the enormous production figures of aircraft on the Allied side. This book is the result of an extensive study of the uniforms and flying equipment used by Luftwaffe flying personnel between 1935 and 1945. From the grey-blue uniforms to the special flying clothing and flying equipment - all of which come from important collections with contemporary originals - the experiences of the German airmen are made comprehensible in this book. Although these men unfortunately served a thoroughly evil cause, their personal achievements cannot be denied. Each of the collector's items is presented in brilliant colour photographs that reveal every detail, and explained in clear accompanying texts. These photographs of original pieces are complemented by more than 130 contemporary photos, many of which are published here for the first time. The book is divided into four sections: The first contains a brief history of the Luftwaffe, its structure and organisation. The second part is devoted to the clothing of the service and dress uniforms, while the third part deals with the airmen's clothing and equipment as well as personal armament. Finally, the book ends with an epilogue about the men in the aircraft, which also includes a short biography of a German airman, which is recounted using his memorabilia. Amateur historians of the Second World War, serious collectors, libraries and archives - anyone with an interest in military aviation will be captivated by this fascinating insight into one of the most legendary air forces ever to take to the skies.
I. Introduction History of the Luftwaffe Organisation and structure
II Uniforms
1. headgear Peaked caps Peaked cap for officers Peaked cap for non-commissioned officers and enlisted men Summer caps Summer cap for officers Summer cap for non-commissioned officers and enlisted men Pilot caps Pilot's cap for officers, early production Pilot cap for officers, wartime production Pilot's cap for non-commissioned officers and enlisted men Uniform pilot caps Uniform pilot cap for officers Uniform airman's cap for non-commissioned officers and enlisted men Fur cap Steel helmets Steel helmet 35 Steel helmet "M40
2. skirts and blouses Dinner suit Jacket of the evening suit Airman's blouse Airman's blouse for officers Airman's blouse for non-commissioned officers and enlisted men
Cloth skirts Cloth skirt for officers Cloth skirt for NCOs and enlisted men
tunics tunic for officers tunic for non-commissioned officers and enlisted men Summer tunic for officers Drill skirt
4. trousers Breeches for officers Breeches Long trousers
5. waistbelt and belt buckles Waistbelt Waistbelt for officers Shoulder straps for officers Belt and belt buckles for non-commissioned officers/crew Light metal belt buckle for non-commissioned officers and enlisted men Sheet steel belt buckle for NCOs and enlisted men
6. footwear High boots Shank boots
7. side arms Flyer's sword Dagger Pilot's dagger Officer's dagger
III Aviation clothing and equipment
8. headgear Winter headgear Aviator bonnet K/33 Airman's hood K/33 (variant) LKp W 53 flying cap LKp W 100 flying cap Airman's headgear LKp W 101 LKp W 101 flying cap (variant) Summer headgear Flying cap FK 34 LKp S 100 flying cap LKp S 101 flying cap Net hoods Flieger net bonnet LKp N 101 (1st sample) LKp N 101 net bonnet (2nd sample) Fabric covers for bonnets
9. protective / aviator goggles Aviator goggles Wind goggles model 295 Aviator goggles model 306 Aviator summer goggles model Dr 652 Aviator splinter goggles Other safety goggles Motorbike goggles model 302 Sun and dust protection goggles
10. breathing masks High-altitude breathing masks High-altitude breathing mask model 10-67 High-altitude breathing mask type 10-6701 Cold protection mask
11. aviator clothing Privately procured leather flight jackets Protective flying suits for winter (combinations) Protective flying suit for winter KW 1/33 (early version) Protective flying suit for winter KW 1/33 (last version) Protective flying suits for summer (combinations) Protective flying suit for summer K So/34 (early version) Protective flying suit for summer K So/34 (later version) Two-piece flight protection suits Two-piece flying suit made from naked fur Two-piece flying suit made of Velveton Flying jacket made from naked fur Two-piece flying suits with electric heating Lightweight version of the Velveton flying suit, electrically heated Electrically heated leather flight suit for hunters Electrically heated leather flight jacket for hunters
14. life jackets Kapok lifejackets Kapok lifejacket 10-76 B-1 Air buoyancy aids Buoyancy aid SWp 734 Buoyancy aid 10-30 B-2
15. parachutes Seat parachutes Parachute 30 I S 24 Back parachutes Parachute RH 12B
16. on-board and crew equipment Wristwatches Tutima pilot's chronograph B-watch for astronomical navigation Wrist compass Wrist compass AK 39 (1st sample) Wrist compass AK 39 (1st sample, variant) Wrist compass AK 39 (2nd sample) Arm compass AK 39 (2nd sample, variant) Triangular calculator Triangular calculator DR 2 Triangular computer DR 3 Flare pistols Walther flare pistol, model 1934 Signal cartridges Pilot's cap knife
17th pistols German pistols Pistol 08 Pistol Mauser 1934 Pistol Mauser HSc Foreign and loot pistols Model 37 pistol - Fémáru Pisztoly 1937 M Pistol 626 (b) - FN Browning M 1922
IV. Epilogue The men in the machines
Bibliography
Group
Books (first-hand)
Author
Cano, G./Guillén S.
Title
Deutsche Luftwaffe
Details
Completely in colour with over 1000 illustrations, large format, German edition of the volume \"Deutsche Luftwaffe\" published by Andrea Press. 360 pages.
State
new
Zeughaus Verlag GmbH Knesebeckstr. 88 10623 Berlin Deutschland
