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JG 26: Top Guns of the Luftwaffe
This is the story of the JG 26 pilots, or "Abbeville Kids." A microcosm of World War II exists in the rise and fall of this famous fighter wing--whose slashing attacks always seemed to come from the best position--from its founding during Hitler's military buildup, through its glory days in the first years of the war--when its bases in northen France were to be avoided at all costs--right up to the grim, final hours of the Third Reich.
426 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 12, 1991
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About the author
Donald Caldwell
23 books5 followersDonald Caldwell is a graduate of Rice University with a BA in Chemistry.
After marrying his high school sweetheart, Caldwell served a tour of duty in the U.S. Navy, where he advanced to the rank of Mineman, 3rd Class.
Following separation from the Navy, Caldwell returned to Texas to begin a career in the chemical industry. In 1964, he joined The Dow Chemical Company in Freeport, Texas, and moved to verdant, Lake Jackson with his wife to raise three daughters, as well as picking up an MS in Chemistry from Texas A&M University along the way.
Caldwell's years as a Dow research scientist were spent doing a variety of interesting things. He is the holder of 19 U.S. Patents and have authored book chapters and technical papers in fields as diverse as industrial electrochemistry and composite materials science.
Furthermore, Caldwell is the author of several books about the Luftwaffe in World War II.
After marrying his high school sweetheart, Caldwell served a tour of duty in the U.S. Navy, where he advanced to the rank of Mineman, 3rd Class.
Following separation from the Navy, Caldwell returned to Texas to begin a career in the chemical industry. In 1964, he joined The Dow Chemical Company in Freeport, Texas, and moved to verdant, Lake Jackson with his wife to raise three daughters, as well as picking up an MS in Chemistry from Texas A&M University along the way.
Caldwell's years as a Dow research scientist were spent doing a variety of interesting things. He is the holder of 19 U.S. Patents and have authored book chapters and technical papers in fields as diverse as industrial electrochemistry and composite materials science.
Furthermore, Caldwell is the author of several books about the Luftwaffe in World War II.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 19, 2015
This was one of those "packed full of historical facts" books with a generous filling of memoirs. Being a history buff I was surprised to hear about such things as FW-190s going on Jabo missions when I thought that only the Allies did that. Interesting reading.
April 7, 2016
This book is AN ABSOLUTE GEM for anyone with an interest in World War II aerial combat. Comprehensive, well-researched, and highly readable, "JG 26: Top Guns of the Luftwaffe" should be considered as the standard work about one of the premiere German fighter units that saw combat almost exclusively in Europe between 1939 and 1945.
August 30, 2023
JG26 spent almost all of its time fighting the air war of WWII against the western Allies. Small parts of it fought in the Med and on the Eastern front for a very short time. What this means is that they were at the tip of the spear at the start of the war and were an essential part of the shield during the latter half of the war.
The author does a great job covering all the experiences of its pilots, the aircraft used, and the evolving tactics of a war that developed not only in material, but also on the technical and human fronts. When the unit transfers to a new type of fighter he explains what this meant for the men involved. He does describe the pilots, not only the aces but also the green pilots assigned to JG 26, in detail. He does this by using their written experiences, official records and testimonies by fellow pilots. This way the unit comes alive, showing the reader what it was like.
The historical detail is staggering, but never overwhelming. The book flows very well and this keeps the reader connected to the overall story. As the war progresses you read how the pilots struggled, knowing that each mission could be their last. The air superiority by the Allies was overwhelming, only experience, and at times raw luck, kept some of them alive.
The book follows the unit from its creation till war's end, making this a must read if you want to learn more about the Luftwaffe during WWII.
The author does a great job covering all the experiences of its pilots, the aircraft used, and the evolving tactics of a war that developed not only in material, but also on the technical and human fronts. When the unit transfers to a new type of fighter he explains what this meant for the men involved. He does describe the pilots, not only the aces but also the green pilots assigned to JG 26, in detail. He does this by using their written experiences, official records and testimonies by fellow pilots. This way the unit comes alive, showing the reader what it was like.
The historical detail is staggering, but never overwhelming. The book flows very well and this keeps the reader connected to the overall story. As the war progresses you read how the pilots struggled, knowing that each mission could be their last. The air superiority by the Allies was overwhelming, only experience, and at times raw luck, kept some of them alive.
The book follows the unit from its creation till war's end, making this a must read if you want to learn more about the Luftwaffe during WWII.
October 23, 2021
The Abbeville kids were held in high regard with those that came into contact with them. It is a very good book concerning the aerial warfare that occurred during WW II.
August 18, 2013
Excellent book. Provides great details into the units actions. What I liked the best was how the author explained how the pilots were shots down, especially the experienced aces, and retold the dogfights with allied aces.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews