Alarmstart South and Final Defeat: The German Fighter Pilot's Experience in the Mediterranean Theatre 1941-44 and Normandy, Norway and Germany 1944-45

Alarmstart South by Patrick Eriksson is the third book in his Alarmstart trilogy about German fighter pilots in World War II. It covers the Mediterranean theatre (1941-1944) and the closing stages of the war over Normandy, Norway, and Germany (1944-1945). The book includes personal reminiscences of veterans and original documents, providing a factual framework of campaigns, equipment, and the progress of the war. The Mediterranean theatre was the top scoring aces on both sides for the entire war, with Hans-Joachim Marseille on the German side and Pat Pattle on the Allied side. Many aircrew ended up in the drink with little chance of being found, but some survived, such as Dr. Felix Sauer of JG 53, who used his knowledge of chemistry to survive eight days in a dinghy at sea. For many pilots, the war would end only in death or imprisonment.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2022
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Alarmstart South, the final installment in Patrick Eriksson's Alarmstart trilogy, delves into the experiences of German fighter pilots during World War II. The book spans the Mediterranean theatre (1941–1944) and the final stages of the war over Normandy, Norway, and Germany (1944–1945). Eriksson relies on extensive personal reminiscences of veterans and original documents to provide a concise factual framework of campaigns, equipment, and the progression of the war.

Veterans who flew in Me 109, Fw 190, and Me 110/410 aircraft share their own stories, ranging from junior NCOs to Colonels, including a senior fighter controller and even one of the Luftwaffes psychologists. The Mediterranean theatre witnessed some of the highest-scoring aces on both sides throughout the war. On the German side, Hans-Joachim Marseille claimed 158 victories, while on the Allied side, South African 'Pat Pattle' is estimated to have achieved over 41 victories.

In the air battles over the Mediterranean region, many aircrew found themselves in precarious situations, with little hope of being rescued. However, there were instances of miraculous survival, such as the story of Dr. Felix Sauer of JG 53. Sauer, a pre-war biology teacher, used his knowledge of chemistry and a calm demeanor to survive eight days in a dinghy at sea without water, apart from rain or dew. For many pilots, the war would ultimately end in death, while others faced imprisonment. Oberfeldwebel Horst Petzschler, for example, endured forced labor in southern Russia, arriving in Berlin in September 1949 weighing only 118 pounds, half dead but having survived the ordeal.

Alarmstart South offers a poignant and insightful look into the lives of these German fighter pilots during World War II. Through the veterans' accounts and historical documentation, Eriksson sheds light on the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs of these men who played a crucial role in the war's outcome. The book serves as a testament to the bravery and resilience of these pilots and their contributions to the history of aviation.

Weight: 252g
Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398112377