Classic Publications

Luftwaffe At War Vol 1: Gathering Storm 1933-1939

by  Edward Hooton

Reviewed By  James Kelley, IPMS# 42106

MSRP: $29.95 ISBN: 9781903223710 96pp, Softback, available from www.specialtypress.com . In 1933, when Hitler came to power, the German military was weak as a result of the restrictions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles. Yet within six years, a virtually unstoppable war machine was unleashed on Europe. All three elements of the armed forces played their part in the evolution of German strategy, but in terms of the Blitzkrieg, it was the Luftwaffe that had the most important role. This was to obtain air superiority over the theatre of operations and cause as much disruption as possible to the enemy's ground forces and other assets before the army swept forward. An understanding of how the Luftwaffe developed in the years before 1939 is essential to comprehending its role when war began. This first title in a new series examines the expansion of the Luftwaffe between 1933 and 1939. Starting with the small air force inherited by the Nazis, the book sets out in detail how the Luftwaffe rapidly expanded and gained combat experience in the Spanish Civil War, before becoming the potent force that spearheaded the blitzkrieg against Poland in the autumn of 1939. Although replete with many archival photos of aircraft and equipment, this book focuses not so much on the early machines employed by the Luftwaffe, but on the machinations and politicking by the upper echelons of the Offizers who laid the groundwork for the Nazi's air arm. Explored are the relationships, loyalties, and rivalries between Goering and Adolf Hitler, Ernst Udet, Rudolf Hess and numerous others. It's quite interesting to read about the different facets of impact that the relationships had upon the early stages of developing the Luftwaffe as a major force to be reckoned. Covering the period from the clandestine training that began in the late 1920s, the book brings the reader to the Polish Campaign, including a fascinating account of General Walter Wever's concept of "Blitzkreig" War. With over 200 black-and-white photos and numerous color profiles, maps, and paintings the 96 soft-bound pages makes for an easy read. The amount of information included, all of which is relevant, is very well-written and fits perfectly into the size of book as presented. Chapters: 1: Post-War Turbulence: 1919-1923 2: Drang Nach Osten: 1923-1932 3: The Wever Years: 1933-1936 4: Baptism Of Fire: Spain 1936-1939 5: The Big Stick: 1936-1939 6: The First Campaign: Poland-September 1939 For the Military History enthusiast, Luftwaffe aficionado, modeler, or collector of books, this title comes highly recommended. My thanks to Specialty Press & IPMS/USA for the review sample.

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