Air War on the Eastern Front [Paperback]

A lavishly illustrated account of the entire air campaign on the Eastern Front in World War II.The Red Air Force versus the Luftwaffe in the skies over Eastern Europe. June 1941: Having conquered most of Western Europe, Adolf Hitler turned his attention to the vast Soviet Union. Disregarding his Non-Aggression Pact with Joseph Stalin, Hitler launched Operation Barbarossa, a full-scale invasion of the Soviet homeland...aimed squarely at Moscow.In the skies over Russia, the battle-hardened airmen of the Luftwaffe made short work of the Red Air Force during opening days of Barbarossa. To make matters worse, Stalin had executed many of his best pilots during the perennial purges of the 1930s. Thus, much of the Red Air Force was destroyed on the ground before meeting the Luftwaffe in the skies. By 1944, however, the Soviet airmen had regained the initiative and fervently wrested air superiority from the now-ailing Axis Powers.A lavishly illustrated account of the entire air campaign on the Eastern Front in World War II.Casemate Illustrated explores key elements of military history, from campaigns, units and battles to aircraft, ships and weapons. Extensively illustrated with photographs and color profiles of tanks, aircraft and other vehicles, each volumes provides a wealth of visual detail. With biographies of key personnel, a timeline, and explanatory text boxes, the narrative gives a clear overview of events and highlights the most important information on any given topic.This title in the Casemate Illustrated series will appeal to general historical and military readers, historians, and modelers.Includes color profiles of the aircraft flown over the steppe.Features over one hundred fifty images to help build up a full account of this campaign. The text is well written and includes numerous small details that enrich the narrative. ...this slim survey provides a quick, convenient intro to the deadly totalitarian duel. Make it a launchpad to further study of Eastern lCn