Norman Franks Bücher

Obwohl bisher viel über Manfred von Richthofens letzten Flug am 21. April 1918 geschrieben worden ist, ranken sich immer noch viele Mysterien um diesen Tag. Flughistoriker Norman Franks, bereits Autor zahlreicher Bücher über Luftkämpfe des Ersten Weltkriegs, hat zusammen mit dem Kanadier Alan Bennett, seines Zeichens Pilot und Ingenieur, Antworten auf viele ungeklärte Fragen gefunden. Dazu recherchierte das Autorenteam am Ort des Abschusses, verglich und prüfte die Beschreibungen von Augenzeugen und befragten diverse Experten für Pathologie und Ballistik. Reliefkarten, Fotos und Diagramme sowie Aufnahmen der Hügelkette von Morlancourt und der Somme ermöglichen es dem Leser nachzuvollziehen, wo und was geschah. Historisches Bildmaterial und verschiedene Dokumente vervollständigen diese umfassende Rekonstruktion der Geschehnisse am Tag des Absturzes.

Designed in a great rush at the end of 1917 just in time to take part in the German standard fighter competition held in January/February 1918, the D VII easily walked away with first prize. As Germanys premier fighter unit, von Richthofens JG I (led by Hermann Göring in the wake of the 'Red Baron's' recent death) received the first examples of the D VII to reach the frontline in late April. Built to oppose the new generation of French SPAD XIIIs and British SE 5as and Camel fighters, the D VII was arguably the best all-round fighting scout of the Great War.

Undoubtedly the most famous fighter type to see service on either side during World War 1, the Fokker Dr I was a revelation when it entered service on the western front in 1917. Manfred von Richthofen's JG 1 'circus' was the first Jasta to completely re-equip with the new fighter, and in the skilled hands of its numerous aces the Dr I proved a formidable opponent. The Dr I remained in service on the Western Front until replaced by the superior Fokker D VII in May 1918. Just weeks prior to that, however, Germany's leading ace, the great 'Red Baron', had been killed at the controls of a Dr I.

Focusing on the air aces of Imperial Germany's Luftstreitkräfte, this volume assembles over 330 photographs of pilots who achieved five or more aerial victories during World War I. While iconic figures like Manfred von Richthofen are well-known, this book highlights lesser-known aces, showcasing a variety of uniforms and decorations. Each photograph includes a brief service history and victory total, providing insights into the pilots and the aircraft that contributed to their fame. It's a valuable resource for aviation historians and enthusiasts alike.

Volume 53 in this series covered Fokker D VII aces from the four elite Jagdgeschwadern of the German army, and this follow-on volume charts the story of the many aces who flew the famed fighter in other units committed to combat in the final months of World War 1. D VII operations covered the entire Western Front, from the North Sea to the Swiss border. In the latter half of 1918 the Fokker was not only the mainstay of the army Jagdstaffeln, but also the most potent fighter flown by home defence Kests and the pilots of the German navy in Flanders. The D VII easily proved the equal of the many British, French, Belgian and American aircraft it met in combat, and served in such roles as day bomber interceptor, 'balloon buster' and nightfighter. Though handicapped by a lack of fuel and other supplies as the German war machine fell apart, aces such as Sachsenberg, Degelow and Rumey utilised the D VII to rack up impressive scores against consistently superior odds.

A companion volume to German Aces of World War I - The Pictorial Record (Norman Franks & Greg VanWyngarden, Schiffer, 2004), this new book covers the British and Commonwealth fighter aces of the Great War. One chapter covers the aces with ten or more victories, and an additional chapter lists the fighter aces with nine down to five victories, giving their squadrons, where they hailed from, and in many cases their subsequent fate. For the American aces, the author lists every fighter ace of the period, from Rickenbackers twenty-six down to those with five victories.

An engaging new collection of archive photography, offering readers new insights into the conflict that played out in the skies over Burma during the Second World War. Over 150 images feature, many of which have never been published before. Having met many of the featured pilots, the author has been offered a vast array of insights and materials.

The follow-up to Bloody April 1917 continues fifteen months later into World War I. Much had happened over this period.

A chronological A-Z reference of casualties of the German Air Service from 1914-20. Cross references can be made and all deaths are listed, whatever the cause. In addition, the date and place of birth of each airman is given, together with his place of death, first name(s) and rank.