Nightfighter Over the Reich

Series: Luftwaffe At War (Book 2)

At the outbreak of the Second World War on 1 September 1939 only five small German Staffeln (Squadrons) had been designated as dual day and nightfighter unils. These were 11 (Nacht) Staffel of Lehrgeschwader (Training Wing) 2; 10 (Nacht) Staffel of Jagdgeschwader (Fighter Wing) 2; 10 (Nacht) Staffel of Jagdgeschwader 26; and 10 and 11 (Nacht) Staffeln of Jagdgeschwader 72. These units were based respectively at D?sseldorf, F?rstenwalde near Berlin, Garz on Usedom Island, Mannheim-Sandhofen, and Stuttgart-Echterdingen. Because JG (Jagdgeschwader) 72 was never completed, later in 1939 its Staffeln became part of JG 52. These Nachtjagdstaffeln (nightfighter squadrons) were used to gain night fighting experience and to train as many pilots as possible in this new-operational role.

This series covers every aspect of the Luftwaffe in World War II and charts the rise and fall of this mighty force. Each volume makes use of over a hundred rare and valuable photographs, many of them taken by Luftwaffe personnel, to bring history to life and record both the men and the aircraft they flew.