Discover the remarkable story of Erich Sommer in 'Luftwaffe Eagle,' a compelling memoir that delves into the life of a Luftwaffe pilot during the Second World War. Authored by Erich Sommer and published by Grub Street, this paperback edition spans 224 pages, measuring 148 x 210 mm, and was released on April 11, 2022. In this engaging narrative, readers are taken on a journey through pre-war Germany, exploring how the rise of the Nazis affected everyday life. Sommer's detailed accounts cover his early training as a brewery engineer before he became a navigator in the Luftwaffe's groundbreaking pathfinding unit. Highlighting his thrilling missions during the Battle of Britain, including flying the unique Ju 86 bomber fitted with a pressurized cabin, Sommer provides an insider's perspective on World War II aviation. His incredible experiences continued on the Russian Front with radar-equipped Ju 88 aircraft, culminating in his training and action with the revolutionary Arado Ar 234 jet as he undertook the first jet-reconnaissance sorties. After a fulfilling career, Erich Sommer moved to Australia, living a peaceful life until his passing in 2005. Complemented by an insightful introduction from esteemed Luftwaffe historian J. Richard Smith, and enhanced with photographs from Sommer's family archives, 'Luftwaffe Eagle' is a must-have memoir for military history enthusiasts and those captivated by aviation stories. Get your copy today and dive into the extraordinary life of an exceptional Luftwaffe pilot and navigator. Orders are shipped promptly to ensure your reading pleasure.Luftwaffe EagleAuthor: Erich Sommer Publisher: Grub StreetBind: paperbackDimensions: 148 x 210 mmPages: 224Publication Date: 11-04-2022In this compelling memoir, Erich Sommer recalls his life in pre-war Germany and the adventures he had flying for the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. Born in 1912, the third son of a district court judge, Erich grew up in an atmosphere of uncertainty following the First World War. In 1932 he started training as a brewery engineer, shortly before the Nazis came to power. The implications this had on the lives of average Germans are described in great detail. When war came in 1939, he became a navigator, successfully serving with the Luftwaffe's first pathfinding unit, then a special and little-known control commission in Morocco to monitor the disarmament of Vichy French forces. He then served as a navigator with a high-altitude squadron flying the relatively rare Ju 86 bomber fitted with a pressurised cabin in missions during the Battle of Britain. He then went to the Russian Front flying radar-equipped Ju 88s tracking Soviet fleet movements. This led to training as a pilot, following which Erich joined a special commando equipped with the revolutionary Arado Ar 234 jet. Shortly afterwards Erich flew the world's first jet-reconnaissance sortie over the invasion front. He ended his war in Italy. After the war, Erich moved with his wife to Australia where he lived peacefully until his death in 2005. With a detailed introduction from acclaimed Luftwaffe historian J. Richard Smith and illustrated throughout with photographs from private family albums, Luftwaffe Eagle is a fascinating insight into the life of an exceptional Luftwaffe pilot and navigator.
