Luftwaffe's Secret WWII Missions

During World War II, the Luftwaffe's special and secret units engaged in the delivery of agents and saboteurs in the rear of the enemy, operating in Europe, North Africa, the Arctic circle, the Urals, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The activities of these units were closed and secret, and information on their operations and missions was known only to a limited number of people. The authors have uncovered the Luftwaffe's secret operations and revealed the fate of many of the pilots, agents, and saboteurs in a story as breathtakingly dramatic as any blockbuster novel.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 26 November 2020
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

On the night of August 14th-15th, 1944, a mysterious aircraft roared over the dense forests southeast of Moscow, catching the attention of the Soviet capital. As it flew past, the plane turned towards a secret landing site at Yegoryevsk on the outskirts of the city. However, what the aircraft didn't know was that it was being closely monitored by troops of Stalin's elite secret service, SMERSH.

As the plane touched down, some of the SMERSH troops lost their nerve and opened fire prematurely. The German pilot, however, responded quickly, managing to pull his aircraft up in time to narrowly avoid the trees at the end of the clearing and disappear back into the dark Soviet sky. This was just one of many thrilling episodes in the operational service of the Luftwaffe's special and secret units, which engaged in the delivery of agents and saboteurs in the rear of the enemy throughout the Second World War.

These units, known as "Flying Columns," operated not only on the Eastern Front but across Asia and Europe. The activities of the pilots and crews of these squadrons were highly classified and secret, with only a limited number of people aware of their operations and missions. It was common practice for the crew of one aircraft to know nothing about the assignments of their fellow airmen.

The area of activity of these units and aircraft was vast, covering the entirety of Europe, North Africa, the Arctic circle, the Urals, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, including Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The Luftwaffe not only flew to these remote regions but also established secret bases for their aircraft.

Much of the information presented in this book is drawn from German and Russian sources, some of which have only recently been declassified. The authors have uncovered for the first time the Luftwaffe's secret operations, providing a detailed account of their activities and the challenges they faced in carrying out their missions.

The book also sheds light on the personal stories of the pilots and crews who served in these units, revealing the bravery and dedication they displayed in the face of danger. It highlights the close cooperation between the Luftwaffe and other intelligence agencies, such as the Gestapo and the NKVD, in carrying out their operations.

Overall, "The Luftwaffe's Secret Operations" is a valuable contribution to the history of World War II, providing a detailed account of the Luftwaffe's special and secret units and their operations in the rear of the enemy. It sheds new light on the complexities of the war and the role played by the Luftwaffe in achieving victory.

Weight: 718g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526775474