Luftwaffe Eagle

A WW2 German Airman's story

Erich Sommer, J. Richard Smith

$34.99

Paperback

Not in-store but you can order this
How long will it take?

Availability Information

We source books from suppliers in Australia and overseas. For books we don't currently have in stock, the time it takes to get them from our suppliers can vary widely - from a few days to a few months - so we check each book with each supplier to determine the expected time it will take to be supplied to us.

We then advise you accordingly. If the time taken to get any book is too long for you, you can let us know and we will cancel or adjust your order, and refund as required.

To find out the anticipated arrival time for specific items prior to ordering, please contact us by phone or email:

Phone +61 2 9264 3111, or 1800 4 BOOKS (1800 4 26657) if outside Sydney:
option 1 Abbey's Bookshop (Crime, History, Science, Kids & more) • info@abbeys.com.au
option 2 Language Book Centre (ESL & Foreign Languages) • language@abbeys.com.au
option 3 Galaxy Bookshop (Sci-fi, Fantasy, Romance, Graphic Novels) • sf@galaxybooks.com.au

QTY:

English

Grub Street Publishing
01 June 2022

Autobiography: historical, political & military; Memoirs; Air forces & warfare; Military aircraft; Aviation skills & piloting

With a detailed introduction from acclaimed Luftwaffe historian J. Richard Smith and illustrated throughout with photographs from private family albums, Luftwaffe Eagle is a fascinating insight into the life of an exceptional Luftwaffe pilot and navigator.

In this compelling memoir, Erich Sommer recalls his life in pre-war Germany and the adventures he had flying for the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. Born in 1912, the third son of a district court judge, Erich grew up in an atmosphere of uncertainty following the First World War. In 1932 he started training as a brewery engineer, shortly before the Nazis came to power. The implications this had on the lives of average Germans are described in great detail.

When war came in 1939, he became a navigator, successfully serving with the Luftwaffe's first pathfinding unit, then a special and little-known control commission in Morocco to monitor the disarmament of Vichy French forces. He then served as a navigator with a high-altitude squadron flying the relatively rare Ju 86 bomber fitted with a pressurised cabin in missions during the Battle of Britain. He then went to the Russian Front flying radar-equipped Ju 88s tracking Soviet fleet movements. This led to training as a pilot, following which Erich joined a special commando equipped with the revolutionary Arado Ar 234 jet. Shortly afterwards Erich flew the world's first jet-reconnaissance sortie over the invasion front. He ended his war in Italy. After the war, Erich moved with his wife to Australia where he lived peacefully until his death in 2005.

With a detailed introduction from acclaimed Luftwaffe historian J. Richard Smith and illustrated throughout with photographs from private family albums, Luftwaffe Eagle is a fascinating insight into the life of an exceptional Luftwaffe pilot and navigator.

By: Erich Sommer
Introduction by: J. Richard Smith
Imprint: Grub Street Publishing
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 153mm,
ISBN: 9781911667308
ISBN 10: 1911667300
Pages: 224
Publication Date: 01 June 2022
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Unspecified

J. Richard Smith is a retired engineering instructor with an international telecommunications company. He began researching German aviation over fifty years ago, working closely with his good friend Eddie Creek. Their first book, German Aircraft of the Second World War, was published in 1972 and was followed by over twenty others on the subject. These included an acclaimed four-volume history of the Me 262, and three others on the Fw 190. Their latest publication is a revised version of a previous book on the Dornier Do 335. Richard is also secretary of the West Midlands branch of the Elgar Society, and has written a book on the composer which has achieved critical acclaim. He lives in Worcestershire. J. Richard Smith is a retired engineering instructor with an international telecommunications company. He began researching German aviation over fifty years ago, working closely with his good friend Eddie Creek. Their first book, German Aircraft of the Second World War, was published in 1972 and was followed by over twenty others on the subject. These included an acclaimed four-volume history of the Me 262, and three others on the Fw 190. Their latest publication is a revised version of a previous book on the Dornier Do 335. Richard is also secretary of the West Midlands branch of the Elgar Society, and has written a book on the composer which has achieved critical acclaim. He lives in Worcestershire.

Reviews for Luftwaffe Eagle: A WW2 German Airman's story

A fascinating memoir full of thrilling accounts. -- Military History Monthly An entertaining read that will appeal to anyone interested in the Luftwaffe. -- War History Online Grub Street are to be highly commended for bringing us this readable and gripping account. -- Flypast ...enjoyed this one, not least because of the insight it provides into the use of a rather first-generation jet. Recommended. -- Royal Airforce History, Vol. 69 The detail of the stories and anecdotes sets it apart from the usual offerings in the genre. -- Air Power History