Bf 109D/E: Blitzkrieg 1939-40

This book provides a firsthand account of flying the Bf 109 in combat during the early battles of World War II, including the Bf 109E-1, Bf 109E-2, and Bf 109E-3 variants. It examines the Bf 109 as a fighting machine from the perspective of the Luftwaffe and features contemporary photographs and artwork to bring the experiences of the pilots to life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 21 July 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating book delves into the realm of flying the iconic Bf 109 during the initial battles of World War II, utilizing first-hand accounts and stunning artwork to bring the realities of combat to life. The Bf 109, one of the primary fighter aircraft in the Luftwaffe's arsenal during the early months of the war, played a pivotal role in many of Germany's early victories. However, it faced its toughest challenge when it clashed with the formidable RAF during the Battle of Britain.

The book presents firsthand experiences of the pilots who flew the Bf 109E, the first variant to feature a Daimler-Benz DB 601 powerplant. These pilots were at the forefront of the skies over Poland, the Low Countries, and France, facing off against their counterparts in the RAF and Armée de l'Air. The early variants of the Bf 109, such as the Bf 109E-1, Bf 109E-2, and Bf 109E-3, were unstoppable during the opening wartime campaigns. Their successes, however, waned at the Battle of France when they encountered modern and well-flown RAF and Armée de l'Air fighters.

In a rigorous and engaging new analysis, Luftwaffe aviation expert Malcolm V. Lowe examines and assesses the Bf 109 as a fighting machine from the perspective of the Luftwaffe at the forefront of the German blitzkrieg. Contemporary photographs and specially commissioned artwork, including a dramatic battlescene, armament views, technical diagrams, and ribbon diagrams, vividly illustrate the step-by-step battle tactics explored in the book. These images bring the experiences of the Bf 109 pilots to life, providing a unique and immersive perspective on the iconic aircraft's role in the war.

This captivating book is a must-read for anyone interested in aviation history, military strategy, or the bravery of the pilots who flew the Bf 109 during World War II. It sheds light on the aircraft's capabilities, its strengths, and its weaknesses, and offers a valuable insight into the battles that shaped the course of the war.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 185 x 247 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472850317