New Arado 234 / KG 76 Book 'Blitz Bombers' - Eddie J. Creek & Robert Forsyth
 

It gives me great pleasure to be able to announce that my second release as a publisher, namely Eddie J. Creek and Robert Forsyth's fantastic 'Blitz Bombers' is now available!
Everyone who placed a pre-order, I will fulfil these ASAP.
Everyone else, you can now order direct from my website, or on eBay, or by PM here.

www.chandospublications.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-9993-1651-8
RRP: £50
Description
This is the first time that the story of the Arado Ar 234 as the world’s first dedicated jet-bomber has been told in such detail in the English language.
In late December 1944 the Luftwaffe surprised the Allies when it unexpectedly introduced a new, high-speed bomber to its inventory. Though deployed in small numbers, the Arado Ar 234 B-2 jet-bomber proved itself an effective day and night strike aircraft over the Western Front and a tough challenge for Allied fighter pilots who tried to counter it.
Powered by the same Jumo 004 turbojets as the Me 262, the Ar 234 could attack pinpoint targets such as transport hubs or enemy vehicle columns and troop assemblies in ‘glide attacks’ with a high degree of impunity. The jets were flown by experienced and often highly decorated Luftwaffe bomber pilots who worked hard to master the new aircraft in a short time and amidst the chaotic conditions of a Third Reich in decline.
‘Blitz Bombers’ tells the story of KG 76’s operations when equipped with what was the world’s first jet bomber, the Arado Ar 234 B-2. The book is founded on original unit diaries, reports and other records, as well as various German and Allied material drawn from archives and private collections gathered over many years. It traces KG 76’s period working up on the aircraft and its subsequent combat operations over the Western Front from December 1944 through to the end of the war.
The Geschwader’s jets took part in operations over the Ardennes, in the ill-fated Bodenplatte attack of New Year’s Day 1945, in missions against the Allied armies driving into the Reich in early 1945, and in a series of intensive strikes against the Ludendorff bridge at Remagen and the bridgehead established there by the Allies in March 1945.
Following many years research, the book includes nearly 300 illustrations, comprised of rare photographs of KG 76’s aircraft, personnel and equipment, as well as the Allied aircraft and pilots who encountered the Arados in combat, plus key documents taken from the unit’s records. These are supplemented by specially commissioned and highly detailed colour artwork depicting the unit’s aircraft.
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No expense has been spared in the creation of this book, the second in a proposed long line of Luftwaffe titles.
I have uploaded some sample images of pages from the book in this listing. The book itself is A4 sized, with glossy hardcovers and semi-gloss finish to the pages, with full colour throughout.
Finally, many thanks to everyone who has enquired about the book and supported this endeavour.
Rich.

Re: New Arado 234 / KG 76 Book 'Blitz Bombers' - Eddie J. Creek & Robert Forsyth
 

Congrats Richard. I have the first on Henschel 129 and really a great book. Unfortunately, financially talking, impossible to order this one at the moment but I hope to be able asap.

Re: New Arado 234 / KG 76 Book 'Blitz Bombers' - Eddie J. Creek & Robert Forsyth
 

thanks! Looking forward to your custom

Re: New Arado 234 / KG 76 Book 'Blitz Bombers' - Eddie J. Creek & Robert Forsyth
 

Does the book have details of the Ar 234's recon flights over Britain in 1945? Thanks.

Re: New Arado 234 / KG 76 Book 'Blitz Bombers' - Eddie J. Creek & Robert Forsyth
 

don't think that was KG 76 mate

Re: New Arado 234 / KG 76 Book 'Blitz Bombers' - Eddie J. Creek & Robert Forsyth
 

Sorry, From the title, I thought the book was about the jet and KG76, not just KG76.

Re: New Arado 234 / KG 76 Book 'Blitz Bombers' - Eddie J. Creek & Robert Forsyth
 

Hi - it is? Not sure I understand your question. AFAIK KG 76 didn't operate the Ar 234 over the UK

Re: New Arado 234 / KG 76 Book 'Blitz Bombers' - Eddie J. Creek & Robert Forsyth
 

I think there is confusion about reconnaissance flights carried out by the Ar 234. In particular the flights over Normandy by Erich Sommer. I read one account where it was made clear that this aircraft could not be intercepted, including by the Mosquito. I recall seeing one original document on ebay where the two cameras that were installed were mentioned. And there is this book: Hitler's Spyplane over Normandy 1944: The World's First Jet.


There was a reconnaissance flight carried out by an Ar 234 over Scotland on April 10, 1945. Source: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/researc...tion/1945.aspx

Re: New Arado 234 / KG 76 Book 'Blitz Bombers' - Eddie J. Creek & Robert Forsyth
 

What did you have in mind about confusion about Normandy, Ed? We don't have everything but the first Ar 234 arrived in Juvincourt on 25 July 1944; first op. on 2 August; withdrew to Chièvres (Belgium) on the 28th. Dates of some of the Normandy overflights are noted on photos reproduced in "Hitler's Spyplane" and in the German Naval Staff war diary. Ar 234 reconnaissance flights (including those over England) will be covered in an Osprey book due in September.

Re: New Arado 234 / KG 76 Book 'Blitz Bombers' - Eddie J. Creek & Robert Forsyth
 

Nick,

I think a few think this book is more expansive as opposed to being just about KG 76. That and the little known, by some, late war Ar 234 reconnaissance flight over Scotland, confused with England, and some flights over Normandy confused with England.

Best,
Ed