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Modern War Studies
Wolfram von Richthofen: Master of the German Air War
Luftwaffe commander Wolfram von Richthofen was a brilliant master of the tactical and operational air war and one of the key catalysts in the resurrection of Germany's air force. Long overshadowed in history by his cousin, World War I's famous "Red Baron," von Richthofen served in seven major air campaigns from 1936 to 1944, and as senior air commander he was always at the center of the action.
For this first full-length biography of von Richthofen, James Corum has mined the field marshal's extensive diaries, which provide a detailed record of military campaigns, tactical and operational problems, interactions with other commanders, and his assessment of methods and weaponry. He has also drawn on interviews with former Luftwaffe members and on his unparalleled access to von Richthofen family papers and photos.
Corum reveals how, before World War II, von Richthofen played a central role in developing and building the Luftwaffe and such famous aircraft as the Me 109 fighter and He 111 bomber. He then delivered tactical and operational successes in the Spanish Civil War, where he established the close air support tactics that became an essential trademark of the German blitzkrieg. As commander of the Special Air Division in the invasion of Poland, he demonstrated the effectiveness of massed airpower and in 1940 helped produce a dramatic German victory in France by providing close air support for Von Kleist's panzer divisions as they raced to the English Channel. Later he also led the Luftwaffe's Second Air Fleet against the Allied landings in Sicily, Salerno, and Anzio.
Providing a fully rounded portrait, Corum also cites von Richthofen's signal defeats in the Battle of Britain and around Stalingrad; depicts his arrogant and ruthless tendencies; and reveals his loyal but nave belief in Hitler.
Cutting through the myths that have grown around von Richthofen's life, Corum's study fills a major gap in the literature and offers new insight into German military culture, Hitler's strategic thinking, and their impact on the German way of war.
For this first full-length biography of von Richthofen, James Corum has mined the field marshal's extensive diaries, which provide a detailed record of military campaigns, tactical and operational problems, interactions with other commanders, and his assessment of methods and weaponry. He has also drawn on interviews with former Luftwaffe members and on his unparalleled access to von Richthofen family papers and photos.
Corum reveals how, before World War II, von Richthofen played a central role in developing and building the Luftwaffe and such famous aircraft as the Me 109 fighter and He 111 bomber. He then delivered tactical and operational successes in the Spanish Civil War, where he established the close air support tactics that became an essential trademark of the German blitzkrieg. As commander of the Special Air Division in the invasion of Poland, he demonstrated the effectiveness of massed airpower and in 1940 helped produce a dramatic German victory in France by providing close air support for Von Kleist's panzer divisions as they raced to the English Channel. Later he also led the Luftwaffe's Second Air Fleet against the Allied landings in Sicily, Salerno, and Anzio.
Providing a fully rounded portrait, Corum also cites von Richthofen's signal defeats in the Battle of Britain and around Stalingrad; depicts his arrogant and ruthless tendencies; and reveals his loyal but nave belief in Hitler.
Cutting through the myths that have grown around von Richthofen's life, Corum's study fills a major gap in the literature and offers new insight into German military culture, Hitler's strategic thinking, and their impact on the German way of war.
430 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 24, 2018
I found this book at a local second-hand bookstore and wondered who Wolfram von Richthofen was. Well, now I know. In detail!
This book focuses on the life of Wolfram von Richthofen, cousin of the famous Manfred. It traces his path through WWI, through post-war Germany and the rise of German aviation, through to his commands during WWII. Corum provides a high level of detail on the way, describing Wolfram's relationship with peers, senior officers, and allies he works with on the way. From his time in Spain, to supporting Blitzkrieg, the eastern front and Italy each part has been heavily researched, but neatly condensed into a highly readable format. Despite the changing scenery and multiple date references, Corum ensures the reader doesn't become bogged down in detail.
Another highly pleasing aspect of this book is it doesn't sugarcoat Wolfram's political leanings. Unlike many other books on senior German commanders, Corum explicitly addresses Wolfram's support for Hitler and the rise of the Nazi party into power.
The book does end rather abruptly, a but like Wolfram really, however this is a highly informative book highlighting a senior Nazi officer (ending up at the rank of Field Marshal) and his contribution to WWII and aviation more broadly. If you are interested in WWII aviation, this book I would highly recommend.
This book focuses on the life of Wolfram von Richthofen, cousin of the famous Manfred. It traces his path through WWI, through post-war Germany and the rise of German aviation, through to his commands during WWII. Corum provides a high level of detail on the way, describing Wolfram's relationship with peers, senior officers, and allies he works with on the way. From his time in Spain, to supporting Blitzkrieg, the eastern front and Italy each part has been heavily researched, but neatly condensed into a highly readable format. Despite the changing scenery and multiple date references, Corum ensures the reader doesn't become bogged down in detail.
Another highly pleasing aspect of this book is it doesn't sugarcoat Wolfram's political leanings. Unlike many other books on senior German commanders, Corum explicitly addresses Wolfram's support for Hitler and the rise of the Nazi party into power.
The book does end rather abruptly, a but like Wolfram really, however this is a highly informative book highlighting a senior Nazi officer (ending up at the rank of Field Marshal) and his contribution to WWII and aviation more broadly. If you are interested in WWII aviation, this book I would highly recommend.
February 1, 2022
An excellent biography of Wolfram Freiherr von Richthofen, the masters of tactical air warfare and one of the greatest air commanders of all time. Without any doubt a must-read book for anyone seeking a better and deeper understanding of WW2.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews