|
In Defense of the Reich
The legend of Willie Messerschmitts Me262, and the elite fighter Aces who
piloted this revolutionary jet aircraft, is as secure as any born during the
Second World War. As they hurtled into the air, climbing at speeds hitherto
unknown, a small group of seasoned pilots heralded a new generation of combat
aircraft that would extend into the 21st century. At the spearhead of this new
era in combat flying was the mercurial fighter leader Adolf Galland. Sacked for
opposing the naive tactics of Luftwaffe supremo Hermann Goering, Galland found
himself, as a General, once again leading a squadron of fighters into battle.
Although too late to change the spectre of imminent defeat, this tiny group of
highly decorated Aces fought a courageous rearguard action during the final
Defense of the Reich. Seen blasting off an airfield in Bavaria are four Me262s,
led by General Adolf Galland. Glistening in the damp air these sleek fighters
are on full power in their rush to climb to altitude. Within minutes they will
attack an incoming mass formation of B-17s and B-24s. Below, the roads and
buildings reflect the sunlight between the scattered clouds of a departing
storm. |
