Combined Bomber Offensive Link

gents,

For those interested in the Combined Bomber Offensive, and especially Operation Pointblank, I suggest this link with essay's/thoughts on the subject by major players in the conflict (German, US, and British) and an intriduction by Noble Frankland.

Suggested reading at:

http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/cbo-afa/cbo00.htm

[ 24 October 2002, 06:28 AM: Message edited by: Stevin Oudshoorn ]

 

Interesting link Stevin. thanks for sharing it.

Must address one item from Johannes Steinhoff. when in late 1943 the heavy Fw 190 unit Sturmstaffel 1 was created, formed and in action in 43-44 there were very few rammings, in fact less than 5 so Johannes information on this is incorrect.
I am wondering just how old these interviews are ?

Erich

 

Erich,

I don't know. I tried to see if I could find out but I think this collection of articles was put together in 1998. The Steinhoff piece is much older of course. (later...) Hmmm, I might have to stand corrected on that one. Damn...I forgot what I wanted to write...

I am told that Sturmstaffel 1 flew its first combat mission on....January 11, 1944!! With more claims than Tony Wood's list want us to believe...

[ 24 October 2002, 11:24 AM: Message edited by: Stevin Oudshoorn ]

 

Stevin :

Yes the Sturmstaffel 1 scored one kill by Oblt. Othmar Zehart on 11 January 44. The next mission was January 30, 44 with 3 claims. tony Wood's listing is a little tweaked but they are suppose to be transcribed from the original Freiburg listings. One point is the change from Sturmstaffel 1 to 11.Sturm/JG 3 on May 8th 1944 but the T. Woods listing still gives credit to Sturmstaffel 1 into July of 44. and also does not recognize the change from 11th staffel to 14th Sturm/JG 3 by 10 August 1944. So........oh well.
Still await Barry's book which wil definately clear up matters once and for all.
A Steinhoff was not directly involved with the Sturmsstaffel 1 or Sturmgruppen units it is not really surprising as he probably got his info second hand. As Adolf Galland was even inspecktor of fighters for a time I have seen some interesting comments by him as well that are incorrect.

E

 

Erich,

Steinhoff, that was it...Indeed, his books on his wartime career also seem to have some..euh..flaws in them, so why should this response be flawless...

Indeed! Await Barry's book and check for the Jan.11, 1944 mission. I got a note from him not too long ago and well, let me just say that He has some very interesting material on the unit on this date...
I don't know how far he is in the editing/printing proces, but maybe...just maybe....I might be able to get something more tangible for him...Still working on that one...

I hate bloody time... well, more the lack of it, really...

 

Thanks, Stevin - this is really fascinating and new to me.

It is not a collection of articles - it was an important Symposium held in 1968. Since then of course nearly all the participants have died, Milch for instance in 1972 and Slessor in 1979.

It's going to take me a little while to read it thoroughly....

 

Thanks Martin,

I ran across this link, when I was looking for something else and I only read bits and pieces. Misread the year. Thanks for the pointer. Glad you like it!