Jagdverband 44: Squadron of Experten

By Robert Forsyth and Jim Laurier

There was no Luftwaffe fighter unit like Jagdverband 44. Formed in February 1945, the unit grew out of Hitler's bizarre decision that the Me 262 jet fighter should be used as a bomber, despite its potential in the daylight defensive battles over the Reich. Seen as a grave mistake by Göring, a small fighter unit was formed in southern Germany to 'prove' the Me 262's ability as an interceptor. Formed with some of Germany's most experienced fighter pilots, Jagdverband 44 numbered a disproportionately high number of leading aces in its ranks, to the extent that it was said that the Knights' Cross was the unofficial badge of the unit. With numerous first-hand accounts from pilots and detailed colour profiles, this book is a fascinating account of the dramatic birth of the jet fighter and the impact it had during the bitter struggles of 1944-45.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
• Release date: Jan 20, 2012
• ISBN: 9781780963570

Robert Forsyth

Robert Forsyth is an author, editor and publisher, specializing in military aviation and military history. He is the author of over 30 titles for Osprey Publishing on the aircraft, units and operations of the Luftwaffe, an interest he has held since boyhood. He has written articles for The Aviation Historian, Aerojournal, Aeroplane Monthly, Aviation News, Combat Aircraft, and FlyPast and he is a member of the Editorial Board of The Aviation Historian.