Memoirs of German Pilots in the First World War Volume 1

Description

This volume includes for the first time complete, new translations of three memoirs by German pilots of the First World War – Hans-Joachim Buddecke, Adolf von Tutschek, and Heinrich Gontermann – who were all killed in front-line service. These translations include Buddecke’s memoir The Hunting Falcon (published in 1918), von Tutschek’s Attacks and Aerial Victories (also published in 1918), and Gontermann’s letters, notes and diaries, which were published by his grandfather shortly after the war.

There’s been a wealth of publications focusing on the aircraft, biographies, and operations of pilots in 1914-1918. However, there is far less material available to English-speaking audiences on the language, psychology, and emotions of front-line pilots who, in their own words, describe how they were profoundly affected by the experience of aerial combat. The loss of friends, intense encounters with violence, and pervasive fears of death permeate these narratives, which should interest students, scholars and aviation enthusiasts interested in the history of the First World War.

Included in its 144 pages are 74 photos (6 in color), and 9 color aircraft profiles.