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THE LUFTWAFFE FLIGHTGEAR FORUM

RESOURCES: A CRITICAL BIBLIOGRAPHY

An indicator of utility on a scale of 1 to 10 precedes the review for each reference work (1 being of marginal use, 10 being indispensable).

Angolia, John R. & Schlicht, Adolf. Uniforms and Traditions of the Luftwaffe, Vols. I-III. SanJose, CA: R. James Bender Publishing, 1996-1998.

• (10) This watershed three-volume work is the indispensable baseline for the study and understanding of Luftwaffe clothing and equipment, and comes as close to being a definitive work on that subject as any to date. Technical descriptions of the items and their development comprise the main thrust of this series, which is based on meticulous research and analysis of the Luftwaffe's orders which authorized the equipment's manufacture. Angolia and Schlicht provide the basis from which collectors must proceed to fully identify the specimens in their collections.

• While the authors' organization can be a bit confusing (the reader often has to do quite a bit of jumping back and forth to understand the relationships between certain items), it must be conceded that the subject matter is very confusing and complex, with no completely satisfactory way of organizing and presenting a full picture of the subject matter (witness this website!).    
• It is likely that this work will never be superceded- only supplanted as new material and documents come to light.

Barbas, Bernd. Aircraft of the Luftwaffe Fighter Aces, Vols. I-II. Altglen, PA: Schiffer Military History, 1995.

• (5) Though primarily directed toward individuals with an interest in aircraft, Barbas' two volume set nonetheless contains a great many interesting photographs covering a wide range of dates and units. As indicated by the title, only fighter units appear in the work, but the illustrations still provide an interesting vehicle for the study of what fighter pilots wore during the course of the war. However, the set's high price might preclude acquisition for the purpose of purely flightgear study.

Carlsen, Sven & Meyer, Michael. Die Flugzeugführer-Ausbildung der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1939-1945, Vol. I. Zweibrücken, Germany: Heinz Nickel Verlag/Antiquariat, 1998.

• (7) This two volume German language history of the Luftwaffe's training/flight schools not only provides a superb view of the men and equipment from those units, but also features an extensive section dealing with civilian and sport aviation during the inter-war period. It provides the best available view of what was worn and used by the DLV, and later, by the flying schools of the Luftwaffe. Though excellent for training units and early equipment, because of the subject matter, the set provides nothing from the operational units. Nonetheless, it receives a high rating because it so well documents Luftwaffe flightgear in its earliest variations- subject matter addressed almost nowhere else. The second volume of this set has not come to the attention of the Forum.

Davis, Brian L. Uniforms and Insignia of the Luftwaffe, Vols. I-II. London: Arms and Armour Press, 1991-1995.

• (2) Published during the early and mid 1990s, Davis' two volume set is somewhat dated, being effectively eclipsed by the Angolia/Schlicht work. Of interest are some excellent photographs and artwork, but the proportion devoted to flying gear and equipment is rather small, too small to justify acquisition except for possessing a very good (if dated) general Luftwaffe reference. There is, however, for Göring devotees, a substantial section devoted to the rotund Reichsmarschall's uniforms and accoutrements.

Feist, Uwe & McGuirl, Thomas. Luftwaffe Diary, Vols. I-II. Ferndale, WA: Feist Publications, Inc., 1994.

• (7) Though attractive, Feist's two volume effort is rather confused in its organization, with one volume taken over by various heroes/Ritterkreuzträger, with the other volume being filled with an exposition of gear and equipment. The very strong points of this set are the beautifully crisp, carefully selected contemporary photographs (presumably from the Bundesarchiv), which show a good cross-section of equipment. Also included are excellent, museum quality, color photographs of gear and uniform-clad mannequins. The selection of subject matter makes pursuit of this set a worthwhile, though perhaps frustrating venture, as the Feist's print run was very small and quickly sold out.

Held, Werner. Fighter! Luftwaffe Fighter Planes and Pilots. London: Arms and Armour Press, 1979.

Held, Werner & Nauroth, Holger. Defence of the Reich: Hitler's Nightfighter Planes and Pilots. London: Arms and Armour Press, 1982.

• (6) First published in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Werner Held's twin study of Germany's day and nightfighters must have caused quite a stir among Luftwaffe aficionados, with its many never before seen photographs gleaned from private collections and the Bundesarchiv. Even over twenty years later, the pair of books remains a classic study in Luftwaffe uniforms and flying gear. As the entire war is covered, the works together provide an excellent study in the evolution of flying gear and clothing within the German fighter arm. Fortunately, both these war-horses have been reprinted by Schiffer, though at the price of somewhat decreased picture quality. Therefore it is advised that the original printing be pursued where possible.

Prien, Jochen, Jadgeschwader 53, Vols. I-III. Altglen, PA: Schiffer Military History, 1997-1998.

• (8) This three volume work, though list-priced at nearly $300, provides a unique opportunity for extremely detailed study of the changing clothing styles within a single unit over the period of the war. Most of the hundreds upon hundreds of photographs are dated to some extent, enabling the student to make detailed observations, and to place them in their proper context. Although the price would seem to preclude purchase except for very advanced study, the detailed history of this famous fighter wing (particularly as written by a historian with a pedigree such as Prien) makes the investment well worth it.

Prodger, Mick J. Luftwaffe vs. RAF: Flying Clothing/Equipment of the Luftwaffe, Vols I-II. Altglen, PA: Schiffer Military History, 1997-1998.

• (10) Together with the trilogy of Angolia and Schlicht, Luftwaffe vs. RAF takes its place as an indispensable guide to the Luftwaffe collectors, particularly in the area of flying gear and clothing. The work's scope is thorough and comprehensive and encompasses Royal Air Force material as well. The color museum grade photography is superb and crisp, answering the question once and for all, "What does this stuff really look like up close?"                                                                                        
• The multitude of smaller personal items and accessories is likewise covered in great detail, no doubt causing many heretofore unidentified items to be rescued from obscurity. If a collector was to invest in a single reference, this would be it.

Rosch, Barry, Luftwaffe Codes, Markings & Units 1939-1945. Altglen, PA: Schiffer Military History, 1995.

• (4) Although it would seem strange to have a book such as this of the "recommended reading" list of a flightgear collector, Rosch's weighty tome can be of extremely usefulness which tracking down and interpreting unit markings on early specimens of flight clothing, helmets, etc., especially when used into conjunction with Michael Holm's website, The Luftwaffe, 1933-45 <http://www.ww2.dk/> , formerly, The Luftwaffe Homepage).

Skötte, Anders. German Luftwaffe Flight Headgear of World War II. Växjö, Sweden: Nässert Graphica, 1993.

• (9)The Swedish collector Anders Skötte provides with this work the finest study of German flight helmets in existence, detailing not only the more commonly encountered models, but also bringing to light many little known models from the early days of the Luftwaffe, among others the 100 and 64 series. Although the text tends to be short on technical description of the items featured, the book still remains an indispensable aid for helmet collectors.

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