Aviation Elite Jagdeschwader Nr II Geschwader Berthold Osprey Books

Inspired by the success of Richthofens JG I, the German High Command formed two new Jagdgeschwadern in February 1918, thus supplying each of the three major German Armies with its own fighter wing in preparation for the approaching March offensive. Jagdgeschwader II would be a permanent grouping of Jastas 12, 13, 15 and 19, and was initially commanded by the popular and respected Bavarian ace Adolf Ritter von Tutschek. The Geschwader earned its first victories during von Tutscheks leadership, but the unit really hit its stride under its second commander Rudolf Berthold the grimly dedicated and oft-wounded Iron Knight. After struggling with inadequate supplies of aircraft and materiel, the veteran pilots of the Geschwader would go on to enjoy incredible successes against French and American opponents in September 1918. Aces who flew the famous blue-fuselages Fokkers of JG II included such stalwarts as Josef Veltjens (35 kills), Georg von Hantelmann (25 kills), Franz Bchner (40 kills) and Ulrich Neckel (30 kills). This volume contains many first-hand accounts by these and other notable aces, which reveal the esprit de corps and camaraderie these airmen displayed in their struggles against superior numbers up to the wars final grim days.