The Luftwaffe's Blitz

Brief Summary

The Luftwaffe's Blitz by Chris Goss offers a new perspective on the infamous Blitz during World War II by focusing on the German side of the story. The book presents the Luftwaffe's nighttime bombing campaign, which began in September 1940, and continued until May 1941. During this time, major cities including London were relentlessly bombed, but the Blitz ultimately failed to break the British spirit or achieve a German invasion of Britain. Goss uses over 30 firsthand accounts from German aircrew, many of whom faced the rigors of war and were taken prisoner, as well as unpublished photos, to narrate the story from the perspective of the attackers.

Main Themes and Topics

One of the primary themes in The Luftwaffe's Blitz is the contrasting viewpoints of war, highlighting the often overlooked perspective of the German aircrew involved in the Blitz. The book delves into the strategic and psychological aspects of the nighttime bombing raids, the operational challenges faced by the Luftwaffe, and the resilience of both attackers and defenders in this brutal chapter of history. Chris Goss integrates personal accounts from RAF night fighter forces, shedding light on their efforts to counter the German onslaught under challenging conditions.

Writing Style and Tone

Chris Goss adopts an informative style that balances historical analysis with personal narratives. The tone is objective and detailed, aiming to provide a comprehensive and factual recount of the events. Goss's meticulous research is evident in his ability to weave together individual experiences with broader historical events, providing readers with a multifaceted view of the Blitz as experienced by the Luftwaffe. The narratives are vivid and compelling, offering a human dimension to the warfare typically missing from traditional historical accounts.

Criticism

Some readers might find the focus on the German perspective challenging, particularly if they are used to narratives that emphasize the British experience of the Blitz. While Goss provides valuable insights from the Luftwaffe's viewpoint, the book's dense historical details may be overwhelming for those seeking a more general overview of the events. Additionally, the use of unpublished photos, while serving to enrich the narrative, could leave readers desiring more contextual information about these visuals and their significance in the broader narrative.