Developed from one of the finest fighters of World War II, the radial-engined Fw 190A-8 was conceived as a heavy assault aircraft and armed accordingly. Its mission was to provide a response to the increasing numbers of USAAF B-17 and B-24 bombers operating against targets in the western and central Reich.
This book explores the fascinating feats of the men flying the Fw 190A-8 and its subvariants. These pilots were given exceptional training and many were volunteers, some of whom were willing to sign oaths that they would bring down a bomber at all costs – even if it meant ramming the enemy aircraft.
Using first-hand accounts, archival photos, full-colour illustrations, maps and tactical diagrams, acclaimed Luftwaffe expert Robert Forsyth puts readers in the cockpit of a Sturmjäger defending the Fatherland from USAAF bombers protected by powerful Allied escort fighters.
Table of Contents
1. In Battle
2. Setting the Scene
3. Path to Combat
4. Weapon of war
5. Art of War
6. Combat
Aftermath, Bibliography, Index
I read this over a weekend and was captive the entire time. Well written, informative, and accurate, its all there. The narrative flows well and in a logical sequence, this is an easy read about the Fw 190 Sturmjäger flying in defence of the Reich. The plates are stunning, the images support the text, and the sidebars offer explanation and context where called for.
Something I took away from this was that the German pilots were on a hiding to nothing when facing bombing raids of up to in one example 1600 enemy aircraft. Yes, that is one thousand planes plus another six hundred. There were not enough pilots to stop such a force when you factor in the fighter escorts, too. And the German fighters could not carry enough ammo or heavy enough cannons / machine guns to counter Allied strength.
There is good discussion on the attrition of Germany's youngest and greatest pilots, the evolution of the Fw 190 into a formidable Sturmjäger with increasing armour and armament, including mortars! Mortars! On a plane! Tactics used by both sides as action begot reaction in an ever-heightening cycle that, ultimately Germany loses. And there is some mention of the politics of the day, too; just to put everything into context.
I did enjoy the description of the effect of the underwing mounted mortar on a bomber formation, being sufficient to displace the bombers by blast effect alone. Incredible. But not reliable enough, through pilot error, to be utilized widely.
What we need is a 1/35 kit of this...
Easily recommended, grab a copy today
