By his own; modest; admission Norbert Hannig was a Frontflieger; or operational pilot; who really did nothing special during World War Two. He was just; he says; one of the many rank and file pilots fighting for his country and not for the Führer. But his wartime career makes for fascinating and highly informative reading on an aspect of the 1939-45 war not often covered in the English language; primarily that of the campaign against the Soviet Union.Norbert started flying during high school on gliders and joined the German Air Force as volunteer and officer cadet; one of the midwar-generation of Luftwaffe fighter pilots. He began operations with JG54 on the eastern (Leningrad) front in March 1943; initially he flew Messerschmitt Bf 109s before transitioning to the Focke-Wulf FW 190. After a year’s fighting; he was ordered back to Germany as a flight instructor to oppose the bomber streams of the AAF and RAF. Returning to Russia at the end of 1944; he became a Staffel CO and claimed many aircraft shot down. In April 1945 he converted to the first jet fighter; the Me 262; in south Germany; and flew his last missions with this aircraft. Also serving with JV44 (whose CO was Adolf Galland); Norbert Hannig finished the war with 42 victories from more than 200 missions. Many and varied were his experiences in action against the rejuvenated Soviet Air Force in the east; and the powerful western Allies over the homeland during the final chaotic months of hostilities; which culminated in his captivity.John Weal’s skillful translation ensures that the fluid descriptive style of the author is preserved. Thankfully; also; Norbert was a keen photographer who shot a profusion of images; all previously unpublished; many of which appear in this important book.
#4585132 in Books State House Press 2003-02-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.16 x .51 x 6.02l; .58 #File Name: 1893114341176 pages
Review
8 of 12 people found the following review helpful. Light and Pleasing Despite Texas BiasBy DDSCThe introduction to this first in a series on Texas' military history; hints at the series' bias stating "Of all the fifty states; Texas has by far the most colorful and dynamic history." The forward laments that Hood's Texas Brigade had overshadowed the Texans who had fought in the Army of Tenn. but adds that "This book restores those Texans to their rightful place alongside Hood's brigade as the finest group of soldiers who wore Confederate gray."Luckily for the North and the Union; there weren't more Texans or else the contest would have ended differently. Interestingly at no place in the book was Gen. John Bell Hood described as a Texan; though he had adopted the state as his own. The fact that Hood was the villain and scapegoat of the campaign probably was a factor in this oversight. Hood was so unpopular that the men changed the words of the song "The Yellow Rose of Texas" to end with; "But the Gallant Hood of Texas played Hell in Tennessee."Overall the book is written with style and flows well. It is not intended to be a detailed study; but instead a narrative of the Texas troops in Hood's Tennessee Campaign of 1864. The primary focus is on Granbury's Texas Brigade. The bulk of this unit had not seen much action until the battle of Chickamauga; but they were excellent infantrymen. Were they the best? The argument could be made; but what would be the point? There were other outstanding brigades. Granbury's men were dependable and never lacked for courage.Interestingly one of the most admired figures in this book is the Arkansan; Gen. Patrick Cleburne. Truly one of the great men of the Civil War his reputation continues to grow and grow. The fact that Granbury's men were led by this Arkansan did much to enhance their reputation. Several historians have lamented that it was the Texan; Hood; rather than the Arkansan; Cleburne who led the Army of Tennessee. The author rightfully treats Cleburne as a hero.This work relies primarily on previously published works so no new material is provided; but the author makes good use of his sources. The author noted that a more thorough history of Granbury's Brigade by Dr. Danny Sessums will be published in the future. As an overview this is a decent effort; but the brave Texans who fought in the Army of Tennessee did not need any bias to prove their worth. Just the facts would have sufficed and honored them more.6 of 11 people found the following review helpful. An excellent book....By Chris Todd DavidsonI really enjoyed this book. What the writer conveys in the little known contribution of the Texans to the fighting history of the Army of Tennessee. It highlights the courage and determination of these soldiers. They fought under; I believe ; under the best Division on the Confederate side; Gen. Patrick Cleburne. The book also documents the needless sacrifice of the Battle of Franklin. I would encourage anyone to read this book...
