New He 219 Book from Wingleader.

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

Coming soon from Air Research Publications:

https://www.wingleader.co.uk/shop/heinkel-he-219

Col.

[Edward]

Very interesting, though I would like to know how much material there is on operations and combat missions.

The Heinkel He 219: An Illustrated History of the Third Reich’s Dedicated Home-Defence Nightfighter
(Air Research Publications - 6 July 2020)
by R Francis Ferguson
236 pages w/ 227 photos, 19 colour images, 47 diagrams and maps, 14 tables
hardback w/ dustjacket
£ 49.95

Now available for pre-order, publication date 6 July 2020
Distributed exclusively by Wing Leader.
sample pages at website

"This new book is the product of a lifetime interest in the subject - and extensive research spanning more than a decade. Writing started in 2012, shortly after the publication of the ‘He 219 Research Paper’ when a number of readers suggested that he should have written the definitive history of the type. At that time, however, Ron felt that he did not have sufficient depth of knowledge. The Research Paper was a “… first step in setting right the historical record” - a first step only.

However, publication of the Research Paper brought forth new photos, documents and information. This ultimately developed into this new work, which gives the reader a comprehensive and highly detailed study of the Heinkel He 219.

This is an academic limited edition from the specialist publisher Air Research intended for the serious Luftwaffe enthusiast and historians and will only be produced in limited numbers.

The He 219 was in many respects unique. It was the world’s first series-built aircraft to be fitted as standard with an ejection seat – and not just one seat, but two. It was also unique in that it was designed and built as a dedicated nightfighter for home-defence duties. This came at a time when the prevailing military mind-set was almost exclusively fixed on the offensive role of aircraft. And, because of this mind-set, the He 219 was plagued by uncertainties that affected production and development. The He 219 was also unique for its tricycle undercarriage which came at a time when tail-draggers were common. Sometimes likened to a praying mantis, the very look of the He 219 with its nose-mounted dipoles gave just a small hint of its fearsome reputation in the night air war over continental Europe. In May 1940 RAF Bomber Command took the decision to go over to the strategic night bombing of Germany. The later introduction of four-engined heavies, the Stirling, Halifax and Lancaster, into Bomber Command operations saw an increase in the frequency and intensity of bombing raids. The Heinkel He 219 with its heavy firepower was quickly rushed into frontline service but like so many weapons of the time it came too late, and in insufficient numbers, to change the course of the conflict."

About the author
"An Australian aviation historian, Ron has spent many years exploring aircraft of the Luftwaffe – and in particular the He219. An acknowledged expert in his subject, he has worked with many fellow historians around the world."

*https://www.wingleader.co.uk/shop/heinkel-he-219

[Christer Bergström]

I could not recommend this edition any stronger. It definitely is a "must have"!

[Stig Jarlevik]

.....and why is that Christer?

Exactly what is new vs what has been published before (both by this author) and others?

Cheers
Stig

[superbee]

Are there any first person accounts of pilots flying missions?or is it just a technical book about the aircraft itself??

[FalkeEins]

a 'new' chapter, pages 101-180, covers combat history "The He 219 in service May 43-May 45" with BF, FF accounts. The term 'densely written' comes to mind, reflecting the amount of detail and description employed.

[Edward]

In the "Competing book projects" department

Chandos has a similar publication slated for "early 2021."

Heinkel He 219 Book Confirmed for late 2020
"I am pleased to be able to announce the third book in our ‘Luftwaffe Library’ series, on the famed He 219 ‘Uhu’ Nightfighter. Drawing on the vast experience and knowledge base of three authors and many other contributors, this book looks set to be the ‘ultimate’ reference on the type. Dutch researcher Marcel Hogenhuis, British radar expert Martin Streetly and Norwegian author Kjetil Aakra will be ably assisted by our regular Chandos team of Robert Forsyth, Eddie J. Creek, Mark Nelson and Maciej Noszczak. This will be a big book with hundreds of photos and lots of colour profiles, plus top-of-the-line scale drawings. I cannot wait to give you more details but for now the authors are busy working on the book!"
https://www.chandospublications.co.u...for-late-2020/

Chandos fb page - post made on 25 June 2020
"Work continues on our new Heinkel He 219 'Uhu' book. Some amazing documents and new information coming to light as the research continues! Projected release date early 2021 (HOPEFULLY). Let's just say we are moving forward!"

So should one wait until next year before deciding whether to purchase Ferguson's book? (please don't tell me "just get both")

Like some I am more interested in an operations history of this unique night fighter with personal accounts from both sides rather than the definitive technical treatise (not that there's anything wrong with that).

Can anyone comment on the differences and similarities between these two publications?

[FalkeEins]

unlikely to happen if Chandos are still writing theirs. Ron published his 'research paper' in 2012 and has not stopped accumulating data and photos. Subtitled an 'Illustrated history' the new work seems to me to be as complete a technical and operational history as anyone is likely to produce - especially with regard to the amount of photos - and if they don't want to make the errors seen in lots of previous publications then Chandos is almost inevitably going to have to refer to this work as well. One thing that struck me reading Ron's 'Introduction' - the amount of contributors to this project constitutes practically the entire air warfare/Luftwaffe enthusiast research fraternity including Beale, Coates, Nielinger, Creek, Boiten, Lutz, Crow et al.. The Ferguson book doesn't feature artworks or plans..

[Steve Coates]

I suspect almost exactly the same people have contributed to Marcel's research. I know I have and rather more recently than with Ron.

[Nick Beale]

Originally Posted by Steve Coates

I suspect almost exactly the same people have contributed to Marcel's research. I know I have and rather more recently than with Ron.

Likewise.