Strategic Culture in the Luftwaffe – Did it Exist in World War II?

[VtwinVince]

I think we can safely file this 'study' under the proverbial 'G'.

[John Manrho]

I stopped reading it after a couple of paragraphs. Just a waste of time.

[John Vasco]

This guy writes this: '...Hitler overturned the decision, insisting on technical investment into the V1 and V2 weapons, which he (alone) believed would deliver the killer blow to the Allies. This probably delayed introduction into service of the Luftwaffe’s first jet, the Messerschmitt 262, and contributed considerably to the loss of the air war...' Did he actually research the development of the 262? Clearly not, because the 262 could not have reached operational status any earlier than it did, given all the problems encountered along the way, independent of of the V1 and V2 (whether 'probably' or otherwise).

'...During combat over St Omer on 9 August 1941, one of Galland’s Geschwader pilots collided with Douglas Bader...'

Er, think he should have considered the most recent research undertaken, which points quite heavily towards Buck Casson...

'...But credibility in the eyes of Luftwaffe higher command was measured in by the number of airborne victories. This sometimes led to selection of Staka and even Gruppenführer (group leaders) with less than ideal leadership qualities. One such individual was Helmut Wick, who recorded 11 victories in 10 days in October 1940 and in line with the Führerprinzip, was given command of JG 26...'

Better tell Adolf Galland about that!

It gets worse...
'...Wick was impetuous and on 5 November 1940 in his impatience to become the Jagdwaffe’s leading ace, he attacked a wing of Spitfires with only his Schwarm as support and was shot down, never to be found...'

5 November! Jeez! This guy has the research capability of one of the flowers in my garden!

'...Certainly the ruthlessness represented by the yellow painted noses of the Schlageter Messerchmitts generated a mystique among RAF crews that gave JG 26 a psychological advantage over its opponents...'

What about all the other yellow-nosed Messerschmitt 109s in the air in combat at the same time as JG 26. 'I say, chaps, that's not a JG 26 109, so it's not as ruthless as those Abbeville Boys, what!'

What a load of crap this guy is writing!

'...The Ritterkreuz (Knight’s Cross) was awarded for the 20th victory and early in the war was personally presented by Hitler or Goering...'

He may only be taking about 109 pilots, but that is a very broad statement to make. Otto Hintze, Staka of 3./210 definitely did not have 20 victories when the Knight's Cross was awarded to him in November 1940 (in captivity).

Appears to ignore the 110 pilots. How did Rubensdörffer, Lutz and Roßiger of Erpr. Gr. 210 ever get the RK, for example? Certainly not by gaining 20 victories...

[egbert]

"Err sir, would you please explain us what ISTAR means?"

https://rafm.tours/command/it-is-the...f-the-raf-6293

After analyzing the Lw another brilliant show of expertise. Clearly not the brightest candle on the flightline.


Sent from my cathouse phone

[Chris Goss]

Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance

[egbert]

Originally Posted by Chris Goss

Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance

thank you Chris- I meant it the sarcastic way, (as I worked a couple of years in the ISTAR domain)......

[Chris Goss]

From one Obstlt dR to another, I was wondering why you were asking that!

[edwest2]

Nick,

I have little reason to take the writer seriously. Aside from fact checking, the study would have been of more use if it set a standard of comparison, such as the wartime RAF against the Luftwaffe. But how many RAF airmen flew as many sorties in some cases? Or the fact that Lend-Lease was a big help? This isn't even apples and oranges but apples v. moon rocks.

Best,
Ed