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R Gannon · 18 July 2008, 06:31 PM

Kirk

Good points. The problem as I see is that the extant German record is rather one dimensional - the loss of so much of their official record leaves too few accurate windows to the German side of the air war. Barely 150 CR's, (MvR, Boelcke, Goering, Jacobs & a few more), a few great diaries like those of Jacobs, Strahle & Rausch, bits of Mai's flight log, letters by Tutschek & Bohme etc, etc. A lot of the inter war stuff - by Stark, Udet, Lothar, etc is too coloured and tainted by hindsight to be considered truly accurate windows. Beyond that just lists of victories and incomplete lists of losses. Together it can, and I believe has, led to an unrealistic 'Hollywood' style perception, often presented in near banal terms of good guys & bad guys. The German's very much being the 'good guys' in the eyes of many north American enthusiasts. I wrote a piece to OTF back about 1996 called the 'Jasta Myth' in which I expounded my views, that the then prevailing Germanophile perceptions of the air war where based on incomplete German records and consequently well wide of the mark. I mean you would read people extolling Jasta 11; stating it shot down 350 Allied aircraft for the loss of only 17 pilots! It's earned me eternal damnation.

As a consequence, as I see it, the better preserved 'original' British record (CR's SRB's & Communiques) which provide the best and most insightful window to the airfighting. Sure the British & Dominion pilots overclaimed (made too many over optimistic damage assessments), but this is no reason or justification for ignoring the British record - as some Germanophiles I know, are want to moot (largely because it does not sit well with their romanticised perceptions).

And even at times, when it might seem to a perochial eye, that I have an axe to grind with the Germans - this is not correct - you should see some of my research projects - want to know anything about Panzer Divisions? I really respect their efforts air, land & sea in both wars. But these efforts need to be placed in perspective and not trumped up by those who fall prey to hero worship. That is my axe to grind.

Cheers Russ

18 July 2008, 06:31 PM	#26 (permalink)
R Gannon Forum Ace Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Adelaide Posts: 1,445	Perceptions Kirk Good points. The problem as I see is that the extant German record is rather one dimensional - the loss of so much of their official record leaves too few accurate windows to the German side of the air war. Barely 150 CR's, (MvR, Boelcke, Goering, Jacobs & a few more), a few great diaries like those of Jacobs, Strahle & Rausch, bits of Mai's flight log, letters by Tutschek & Bohme etc, etc. A lot of the inter war stuff - by Stark, Udet, Lothar, etc is too coloured and tainted by hindsight to be considered truly accurate windows. Beyond that just lists of victories and incomplete lists of losses. Together it can, and I believe has, led to an unrealistic 'Hollywood' style perception, often presented in near banal terms of good guys & bad guys. The German's very much being the 'good guys' in the eyes of many north American enthusiasts. I wrote a piece to OTF back about 1996 called the 'Jasta Myth' in which I expounded my views, that the then prevailing Germanophile perceptions of the air war where based on incomplete German records and consequently well wide of the mark. I mean you would read people extolling Jasta 11; stating it shot down 350 Allied aircraft for the loss of only 17 pilots! It's earned me eternal damnation. As a consequence, as I see it, the better preserved 'original' British record (CR's SRB's & Communiques) which provide the best and most insightful window to the airfighting. Sure the British & Dominion pilots overclaimed (made too many over optimistic damage assessments), but this is no reason or justification for ignoring the British record - as some Germanophiles I know, are want to moot (largely because it does not sit well with their romanticised perceptions). And even at times, when it might seem to a perochial eye, that I have an axe to grind with the Germans - this is not correct - you should see some of my research projects - want to know anything about Panzer Divisions? I really respect their efforts air, land & sea in both wars. But these efforts need to be placed in perspective and not trumped up by those who fall prey to hero worship. That is my axe to grind. Cheers Russ __________________ Our hearts so stout has got us fame For soon 'tis known from where we came Where'er we go they fear the name Of Garryowen in glory.