Osprey Men-at-Arms 377 : Luftwaffe Air & Ground Crew 1939-1945

A study of the uniforms, flying equipment, and insignia of the German air force of World War II. This book includes a general summary of Luftwaffe organisation and operations, touching briefly on the rebirth of the German air force in the 1920s-30s, the victorious Blitzkrieg campaigns 1939-40, the Battle of Britain and the night Blitz; continuing operations in NW Europe 1941-43; the air war in N.Africa and the Mediterranean 1941-43, in Russia 1941-45, and the Defence of the Reich 1943-45. It also provides a systematic survey of the whole range of orders of dress, uniforms and insignia, on all fronts; of flying clothing; of flight equipment and survival aids - parachutes, life jackets, etc. Text by Robert F. Stedman with illustrations by Mike Chappell.

Contents

• Rebirth of the Air Force
• Organisation
• Summary of Campaigns
• Uniforms
  Service & Parade Dress
  Insignia of Rank, Branch, Trade
  Extra Clothing & Effects
  Summer & Winter Working Dress
  Tropical Uniforms
• Flying Clothing
  Summer & Winter Helmets
  Flight Suits
  Jackets
  Trousers
  Boots
  Gloves
• Flight Equipment - Parachutes - Seat, Back & Chest Types
• Life Preservers, Kapok & Inflatable
• Rafts, Flare Pistols, Dye Markers, Compasses