Gottfried Leske: 'I was a Nazi Flyer'
 

Hi guys

The above named published a book in the US in 1941 called 'I was a Nazi Flyer'; it was translated by one Curt Riess. The blurb stated that Leske had flown bomber sorties at Dunkirk, against London and Coventry.

Was he 'real'? Or was the book a novel. Advise, please, before I spend next week's booze money!!

Cheers
Brian

Re: Gottfried Leske: 'I was a Nazi Flyer'
 

It was a propaganda book and it should mentally prepare the US nation for the total war with Germany.

Marius

Re: Gottfried Leske: 'I was a Nazi Flyer'
 

Thanks Marius

I have ordered a copy from the US - so it's a dry week next week!

Cheers
Brian

Re: Gottfried Leske: 'I was a Nazi Flyer'
 

Brian

The text of the book is completely Mickey Mouse. A total phoney. Don't expect to glean anything from it!!

Re: Gottfried Leske: 'I was a Nazi Flyer'
 

Hi Andy

I have just received a copy of the 1st edition hardback, published in 1941.

While I agree "the names have been changed to conceal the true identity" (as they used to say on those old back & black US crime films), why could the book not be based on an original diary as claimed?

Cheers
Brian

Re: Gottfried Leske: 'I was a Nazi Flyer'
 

Well, I suppose its possible that it was loosely based on a diary but as I recall much of it seems a bit improbable to say the least but that could have just been the propaganda spin. Its a long while ago that I read it, and I no longer have a copy. Think I disposed of it as being no value. My recall is that was a quite thick book, on poor quality paper and with an orange board cover bearing blue block titles. I think I am recalling the same book you now have.

Re: Gottfried Leske: 'I was a Nazi Flyer'
 

Like Andy I once had a copy of this book but disposed of it over the years. From memory, I even tried to match some of the characters & events described with actual events but had no success whatsoever. I came to the conclusion that it was a work of propaganda fiction (sanctioned by the Ministry of Information ?) compiled for the American market by someone who clearly had some knowledge & understanding of Luftwaffe operational practices, personalities, & terminology threaded around well-documeted recent events in Europe. As such I would not accept it as a reliable historical source & place it in the same category as another even less-plausible curiosity, 'Engines Over London'.

Re: Gottfried Leske: 'I was a Nazi Flyer'
 

Peter

Is this a fact? Or just your opinion?

Cheers
Brian

Re: Gottfried Leske: 'I was a Nazi Flyer'
 

I repeat, that was my conclusion. Do let us know if you decide otherwise.

Re: Gottfried Leske: 'I was a Nazi Flyer'
 

Hi Peter

No. I don't think it is for me to decide one way or the other. Andy stated it was pure Mickey Mouse and you implied that you agreed with that conclusion.

I just wish to know the facts - and thought you both had inside information. Perhaps you have. But you shouldn't rubbish other published accounts on a whim.

Cheers
Brian

Re: Gottfried Leske: 'I was a Nazi Flyer'
 

Brian,

My comments hardly constitute 'rubbishing' and, as explained, my opinion of the book you queried was only reached after careful consideration of its content - not 'on a whim'. But as you now have the book, plus access to all the necessary sources, I have no doubt that you will check the content for yourself and form your own opinion.