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Chris Goss
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Knights of the Battle of Britain: Luftwaffe Aircrew Awarded the Knight's Cross in 1940 Kindle Edition

by Chris Goss (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 18 ratings
The Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Knights Cross of the Iron Cross), known simply as the Ritterkreuz (Knights Cross), was the highest German military award of the Second World War. Instituted on 1 September 1939, to coincide with the German invasion of Poland, it was awarded for leadership, valor or skill. As the war progressed, higher variants were instituted, namely the Knights Cross with Oak Leaves, Knights Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, and the Knights Cross with Oak Leaves Swords and Diamonds. Similar in design, but larger, than the Eiserne Kreuz (Iron Cross), and worn around the neck as opposed to on the breast, the border and hanging loop on the Knights Cross were made of pure silver which was marked ‘800. The award was made by a number of German manufacturers. On 3 June 1940, the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuz mit Eichenlaub (Knights Cross with Oak Leaves) was instituted, by which time 124 Rittterkreuz had been awarded to all arms of the German military, of which forty-nine had been awarded to Luftwaffe personnel. The first recipient was Generalfeldmarschal Hermann Göring on 30 September 1939; the first Luftwaffe operational Luftwaffe aircrew member recipient, and the fifth overall, was Oberst Robert Fuchs, Kommodore of Kampfgeschwader 26. His award was made on 6 April 1940. The first fighter pilot to receive the Ritterkreuz was Hauptmann Werner Mölders of III Gruppe/Jagdgeschwader 53 (III./JG 53) on 29 May 1940. Only three Luftwaffe officers would receive the Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub in 1940, and all of them were fighter pilots – Mölders on 21 September 1940 (he was then Geschwader Kommodore of JG 51), Major Adolf Galland (Kommodore of JG 26) on 24 September 1940, and Hauptmann Helmut Wick (Kommandeur of I Gruppe/JG 2) on 6 October 1940. Throughout the summer of 1940, many more Luftwaffe members, be they serving on fighter, bomber, dive bomber or reconnaissance units, would receive the Ritterkreuz. Some of these awards were made posthumously, whilst others would learn of their awards whilst a prisoner of war in Britain or, later, in Canada. In this book, the renowned aviation historian Chris Goss provides biographical details of all operational members of the Luftwaffe who received the Ritterkreuz during 1940 or were awarded it as a result of their actions in what became known as the Battle of Britain.
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  1. Print length
    400 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Frontline Books
  4. Publication date
    June 30, 2018
  5. File size
    48.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
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  7. Word Wise
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  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is an unique research tool for the serious historian doing targeted work on specific Luftwaffe personnel or unit histories within the early war years."
Air Power History

About the Author

Having retired from the RAF with the rank of Wing Commander, CHRIS GOSS is a regular and highly respected contributor to major aviation publications in the UK, France and Germany.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07G55NNNY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Frontline Books (June 30, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 30, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 48.3 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 18 ratings

About the author

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Chris Goss

Chris Goss

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After a 32 year career in the RAF and three years working for a civilian company as its Head of Operations is now a full time aviation author and military historian. Regular, recognised and sought after contributor to major aviation and historical journals in the UK, France and Germany since 1983. Author of over 40 critically acclaimed books covering aspects of the air war over North West Europe 1939-45. Edited/revised/co-authored a further four books. Books have been reprinted and translated/published in France, Hungary, Czech Republic, Spain, Sweden, Canada and the USA. Historical consultant for a number of major projects, such as the recovery of the Dornier 17 by the RAF Museum and Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and for TV programmes such as The History Channel and Channel 5's The Battle of Britain: 3 Days that Saved a Nation. Master of Arts with Merit in War Studies (Kings College London). He also undertakes regular public speaking engagements. He is an elected trustee for the Royal Air Forces Association, where is chairs the Engagement and Fundraising Committee and is a member of the Information and Strategy Committees, and a trustee for St David's Home, Ealing.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
18 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • bad mellon
    1.0 out of 5 stars much ado about nothing
    Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Just a paragraph or two about each pilot----no depiction of what they did---very disapointing
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars I like this book
    Reviewed in Germany on December 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Good overview of the 1940 Luftwaffe knight's cross holders with many valuable information. I can recommend this book.
    Report
  • Peter Cook
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great addition to books on the Battle of Britain
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 10, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I have most of this author's books and this one doesn't disappoint. Comprehensive biographical details on Knights Cross holders are illustrated with contemporary photos, many of which I have never seen before in any publication. A worthy addition to the library of anyone interested in the Battle of Britain.
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  • R. Stewart
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good quick guide to RK holders in 1940.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 21, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Good concise biographies and portrait photos of Knights Cross Holders of the Luftwaffe, 1940.
    To those who are well versed on the subject, the book may not tell them a great deal more but to a mug like me this an informative guide which is worth the cover price.
    Fighter, bomber and maritime aircrew are all covered with the pages.
    The book itself is well put together and is IMO a good buy.
    Report
  • saint michael
    4.0 out of 5 stars Saint Michael
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 19, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    A classic Chris Goss book, ticking many boxes and continuing the authors high standards regarding this genre. You will find many familiar names and information, but of greater interest is the lesser well known recipients of this medal, such has bomber pilots, assault pilots and the like. Naturally you can source pretty much all the data Goss used from several other publications, but i would recommend you taking a look at all the other work from this author, due to his diligence and flair for his subject matter.
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars KNIGHTS OF THE AIR
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 6, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    GOOD READ,INTERESTING TO SEE PILOTS FROM THE LUFTWAFFE ACTIONS
    Report

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