(Jagdgeschwader Nr II Geschwader 'Berthold' (Aviation Elite Units)) [By: VanWyngarden, Greg] [Feb, 2005]

Aviation Elite Units #19

by Greg VanWyngarden

After struggling with inadequate supplies of aircraft and matériel, the veteran pilots of the Geschwader would go on to enjoy incredible successes against French and American opponents in September 1918. Aces who flew the famous blue-fuselaged Fokkers of JG II included such stalwarts as Josef Veltjens (35 kills), Georg von Hantelmann (25 kills), Franz Büchner (40 kills) and Ulrich Neckel (30 kills). This volume contains many first-hand accounts by these and other notable aces, which reveal the esprit de corps and camaraderie these airmen displayed in their struggles against superior numbers up to the war’s final grim days.

Genres: Nonfiction

Paperback

First published February 5, 2005

Reviews

[Shrike58 · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I look at all the Osprey booklets that the author has written about German fighter units in the Great War I wonder how long it will be before one sees a one-volume work from Osprey on the topic. Be that as it may, what's interesting about this unit is that it was on the cutting edge of the German offensives in the West in 1918, often in contact with American combat aviation. Also, while I had wondered why it was not mentioned in a parallel Osprey publication about how Rudolf Berthold had gone on to be a "free corps" commander post-1918, in this booklet you get those details, and the story is even sadder than I had thought. Worth having if you can come up with a copy for a reasonable price.

Originally written: January 7, 2020.