The memoirs of a German World War I hero and his exciting inter-war
adventures
Ernst Udet was the second-highest scoring German air ace of the First
World War after Manfred von Richthofen, managing to survive the war, and leading
a colourful and adventure-filled life between the wars. He became disillusioned
with his relationship with key elements of the Nazi Party and its leadership,
however, and committed suicide in 1941.
Udet had a natural aptitude for flying, and became a skilled pilot,
favouring attacking his victims from out of the sun and picking off the rear
aircraft. Richthofen invited him to become a member of his 'flying circus',
Jagdgeschwader 1, and Udet was soon commanding Jasta 11, Richthofen's own former
squadron. He later commanded Jasta 4, and ended the war with 62 confirmed
victories. Between the wars Udet had many jobs, often working as a stunt pilot
in Hollywood, took up air racing, flew in an
expedition to Africa, and had countless
adventures.
In the late 1930s Udet penned his memoirs, mostly focusing on his
First World War exploits, but also including many fascinating details of his
interwar career. Ace of the Black Cross is a riveting and exciting read. Udet
takes the reader up in the cockpit with him when writing about his duels over
the skies of the Western Front, when racing planes in Depression-era America, or flying over Africa whilst evading lions. If you are looking to read a
book that gives a real flavour of the highs and lows of the early days of
flying, then look no further than Udet's account.
This edition has been newly-typeset, expanded by a new introductory
essay providing further details about his career and placing Udet's life in
context, his demise, and has a new index. An appendix provides a full list of
Udet's WWI aerial victories. This superb aviation title is being published in a
strictly limited edition hardback run of just 500 copies, each copy individually
numbered.
Available early 2012.
