Early German Aces of World War I

Description

The Fokker Eindecker (monoplane) started the true age of fighter aviation. With the development of its revolutionary synchronised machine gun system, the Eindecker caused consternation in the ranks of Allied airmen as its pilots began to reap a grim harvest of victims in 1915. The exploits of aces like Max Immelmann and Oswald Boelke became legendary on both sides of the front, and they received the adulation of the German public, along with such honours as the first awards of the Orden Pour le Merite (the 'Blue Max') to airmen. These men created the tactics and principles of German fighter aviation as they did so. By the final months of 1916, the monoplanes had been replaced by the next generation of biplane fighters from Fokker and Halberstadt flying together in new fighter formations - the Jagdstaffeln. This book charts the successes of the 'lone hunters' of 1915 until their eventual replacement.

Greg VanWyngarden has had a lifelong interest in World War I aviation, and has been particularly active in gathering information on the colours and markings that decorated the various German fighters. This is the sixth title he has written or co-authored for Osprey, including the two volumes on Fokker D VII Aces of WWI (with Norman Franks) in the Osprey Aces series, and thr recently completed 'Richthofen's Circus-Jagdgeschwader Nr I' and 'Geschwader Berthold-Jagdgeschwader II' in the Elite Unit series. Berkshire-based Harry Dempsey is a talented profile artist who specialises in fighter aircraft of World War 1. He has illustrated all of Osprey?s World War 1 Aircraft of the Aces titles to date.

"This was a kick ass book." --Alex Ness, popthought.com "Color profiles and planform drawings will help immesnly with several new kits of the fascinating, pioneering Fokker Eindekers. Early Fokker and Halberstadt biplanes and captured Nieuports are also covered." --Aerospace Modeler (January 2009) "It is a superb look at the early years and development of fighter aircraft, ever-changing tactics and the men who flew them. A book that you'll find as thoroughly intriguing as did I and one I can recommend without reservation." --Scott Van Aken, modelingmadness.com "Fans of World War I German aces will be pleased with this history." --Fred Rick Boucher, AeroScale (October 2006) "Early German Aces of World War I chronicles the life and times of men and machines who were responsible for the supremacy which marked German aerial combat history in 1915-16...with characteristic thoroughness, as Osprey books provide... It is definitely a work that belongs in your World War I aviation library." --Jim McCloskey, Aerodrome