Operation Barbarossa 1941: The Luftwaffe Opens the Eastern Front Campaign(47 Air Campaign)

Barbarossa was the biggest German invasion of World War II. Comprehensively illustrated, this study explores the air campaign that spearheaded it, and how it evolved during the rest of 1941. The German invasion of the USSR, Operation Barbarossa, was the apex of Hitler's aggression. The strength of the Luftwaffe was gathered from across Europe for its opening strikes, where it faced a huge but badly equipped and ill-prepared Soviet Air Force (VVS) of 20,000 aircraft, which it quickly destroyed. In this book, Eastern Front expert William E. Hiestand examines this shattering first campaign, as well as how the Barbarossa air war developed over the following months. He describes how between June and December 1941, Luftwaffe losses rose and aircraft readiness steadily decreased under the pressure of combat. He also analyses the evacuation of Soviet industry – including aircraft production – to the Urals, and the rebuilding of the VVS; by the time German columns stalled 25km from Moscow, the VVS had more operational aircraft at the front than the Luftwaffe. He also covers aspects such as the abortive VVS strikes on Berlin and other strategic targets, and the Luftwaffe's strategic bombing raids on Moscow. With striking original artwork, 3D diagrams, maps and rare photos, this book reveals the full story of the aerial campaign in Barbarossa, as the devastation began in the most brutal theatre of World War II.

Table of Contents:
INTRODUCTION Origins CHRONOLOGY ATTACKER'S CAPABILITIES The Luftwaffe at its peak Command and control Tactics and aircraft Logistics and training Leaders Axis allies Organization Luftwaffe order of battle DEFENDER'S CAPABILITIES Stalin's airpower Command and control Aircraft Training, logistics, and maintenance Leadership Soviet order of battle CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES Conquest in the east THE CAMPAIGN Spearheading the invasion Barbarossa drives east The Axis and Soviet air arms in mid-campaign Operation Typhoon AFTERMATH AND ANALYSIS FURTHER READING INDEX

About the Author :
William E. Hiestand has worked for over 30 years as a US Department of Defense analyst, focusing on military issues and serving in a wide variety of analytic, leadership and representational roles. He holds an MA in History from Cornell University, and has a lifelong interest in military history with a particular focus on 20th-century armoured and mechanized operations and Soviet military history. He lives in Virginia near Washington DC.

Review :
This will be of interest to anyone seeking to learn something new about Operation Barbarossa and inspirational reading for wargamers and modellers. a good mix of technical data on aircraft types and numbers