Memoirs of a Stuka Pilot by Paul-Werner Hozzel

[Flitzer]

Dave,

You can always ask to return the item. It is available as a download for five dollars. I don't know what the value of this book will be in years from now but I do remember the third volume of Karl Ries's Dora Kurfurst going from $6 to $8, the most I had paid for a book at that time (around 1965). And I was single then too!

[FalkeEins]

Originally Posted by Flitzer

Dave,

You can always ask to return the item.

he could but I'm sure Dave has made a great purchase...alternatively given silly Ebay prices, he could probably make some money on it..

[David Brown]

Does your wife ever spend anything on completely non-frivolous "beauty products" (all of of which do exactly what the makers claim, of course) or vitally necessary handbags? Nick Beale

Never.....based on her standards. Actually, I've overstated the situation with regard to being in "deep trouble". My wife does not pretend to understand my fascination regarding the Luftwaffe, she sort of tolerates it. That's not to say that she will hold back an opinion on some of my purchases. But on the whole, I guess she figures that this "vice" compared to others is relatively mild.

You can always ask to return the item. It is available as a download for five dollars. I don't know what the value of this book will be in years from now but I do remember the third volume of Karl Ries's Dora Kurfurst going from $6 to $8, the most I had paid for a book at that time (around 1965). And I was single then too! Flitzer

Maybe it's just me, but I would rather own the original book than a downloaded copy, although there is no way I can justify the cost. It was purchased solely for the enjoyment of learning more about this segment of history. For me, buying this book just felt right.

Anyway, the book (albeit, it looks like a manuscript) arrived on Tuesday.

[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

Based on the info posted here, I followed up and ordered the $5.00 copy of this book that David Brown made us aware of. It arrived yesterday as a CD which contains a PDF copy of the originally published typed manuscript, which was probably a soft cover publication (Dave can confirm this). I think that it is a little gem, written in reasonably good English. It is Hozzel's memoir of his military experiences prior to, and throughout WW II. He was a KC winner for leading the unit during the Norwegian Campaign, one of the earliest awarded to a Stuka pilot. I've only read the immediate pre-war through the end of the Battle of Britain, but it definitely provides useful insights and experiences from an eye-witness to important early Stuka operations in Poland, Noway, France and Britian (plus it continues on to Italy and Russia). Hozzel commanded I./St.G. 1 during my period of interest.

You can't go wrong at this price if you have any interest in Stuka Ops for this period. Go back to the earlier link in this thread to order a copy. My CD arrived within just a few days of ordering by charge card, so ordering, particularly in the US, is not a problem.

Thanks Dave for putting us all onto this.

Regards,

[Brian]

Sorry Dave

I have also just received a CD - excellent!

Cheers
Brian

[David Brown]

The book concentrates on Paul-Werner Hozzel's numerous experiences from September 01, 1939 to Stalingrad. Thereafter, until the end of the war, the book becomes more of a "factual" reference. After Stalingrad, it seems to lose its "personal flavoring" that was experienced in the initial 106 pages. It's almost like Hozzel dreads recalling the final two years and just goes through the motion of recounting the end in the remaining 8 pages .
My interest was primarily the early stages of the war - blitzkreig through Poland, France, Norway and the Battle of Britain as well as North Africa. The first hand accounts given by Hozzel are well worth reading and I can see why Peter Smith referenced this book.
The book is a soft cover publication - very much like a manuscript. It's a quick read with only 114 pages. The book is illustrated with maps and photographs.
For me, this book was worth the $130 because it comes directly from a veteran combat pilot who was fortunate enough to survive almost 6 years of war.....and then took the time to recount it.