|
Re: Luftwaffe Myths
Falke, I understand what you are saying, however, when one considers the incredible odds later in the war against Jagdwaffe pilots, it's amazing that they held out as long as they did. Sure, the RAF could mount large-scale raids against the continent, but one has to take into account the vast resources available to England at that time, both in terms of raw materials and manpower, such as the Commonwealth training plan. Germany had a few poor quality allies, most of whom dropped out of the conflict early on. When I think of my uncle, who was blind in one eye and well into his 40's, flying combat until April, 1945, I can only surmise that he must have been extremely well trained, and perhaps a little lucky. I agree that the leadership of the Luftwaffe was poor at the highest echelon, but they had many outstanding commanders, especially in the field. To simply imply that the German pilots were a bunch of overrated overclaimers is a gross simplification of the truth and a besmirching of the memory of thousands who fought and died bravely.
|