Hiestand, William E.
Operation Barbarossa 1941: The Luftwaffe opens the Eastern Front campaign (Air Campaign)
- ISBN 13:
- 9781472861504
- author:
- Hiestand, William E.
- format:
- Paperback
- publisher:
- Osprey Publishing
- language:
- English
- Publication Year:
- 2024
- Pages:
- 96
- Dimensions:
- 24.8 x 18.4 x 2.5 centimetres (0
- Genre:
- History
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Item usually sent within 4 working days
Description
Operation Barbarossa 1941: The Luftwaffe Opens the Eastern Front Campaign The German invasion of the USSR, known as Operation Barbarossa, was the largest military campaign of World War II. This book explores the air campaign that spearheaded it, examining how the Luftwaffe, with its strength gathered from across Europe, faced a Soviet Air Force of 20,000 aircraft that it quickly destroyed. The Luftwaffe's losses rose significantly between June and December 1941, as aircraft readiness decreased under the pressure of combat. The Soviet Union responded by evacuating its industry, including aircraft production, to the Urals, and rebuilding its air force. By the time German columns stalled 25km from Moscow, the Soviet air force had more operational aircraft at the front than the Luftwaffe. The book also covers the Luftwaffe's strategic bombing raids on Moscow and the abortive Soviet strikes on Berlin. With its comprehensive analysis and striking original artwork, 3D diagrams, maps, and rare photos, this book reveals the full story of the aerial campaign in Operation Barbarossa, shedding light on one of the most brutal theatres of World War II.