From the Publisher:

On 10 May 1940, the Wehrmacht launched its assault on the West. One element of the West’s response was the dispatch of RAF Bomber Command ‘heavy’ bombers at night over German industrial centers. These raids had only limited effectiveness, but the inability of the Luftwaffe to chase down RAF bombers at night so annoyed Wolfgang Falck that it swiftly resulted in the creation of a credible night fighter force.

Initial trials had been flown with Bf 110s at dusk in Denmark on April 1. Nachtjagd Division was founded in the summer of 1940. Its first few months were chaotic, with constant reorganizations of units, and reassignment of aircraft, but soon enough the night fighter arm was achieving steady victories—and losing crews at a similarly steady rate.

Despite the efforts of senior leadership, the Nachtjagd constantly struggled to secure sufficient personnel or aircraft, and would spend most of its life playing catch-up—its radar systems were regularly outdone by RAF Bomber Command’s jamming capabilities, though the development of Schräge Musik and Wilde Sau did give the Nachtjagd an edge. The first specialist Luftwaffe night fighter—the Heinkel He 219—would be trialed only in 1943.

Fully illustrated, this is a full chronological account of the night fighter units for the first part of World War II, covering major campaigns, the biographies of individual aces, and the details of the technology developed for the Nachtjagd.

Contents

• Timeline of Events
• Introduction
• Origins of the Luftwaffe Night Fighter Arm
• The Nachtjag Evolves: January-June 1941
• Piercing the Darkness: July-December 1941
• Enter “Bomber” Harris: January-June 1942
• Luftsiege Mount: July-December 1942
• Battle for the Ruhr: January-June 1943
• Wilde Sau: Summer 1943
• Afterword
• References & Further Reading
• Index

"Night Fighter Aces of the Luftwaffe 1940-1943" by Page and Roba is a captivating and comprehensive account of the courageous pilots who flew and fought during the dark and dangerous nights of World War II. The book provides a detailed and gripping insight into the experiences of the Luftwaffe's night fighter aces, shedding light on their extraordinary skills, challenges, and triumphs.

The authors, Page and Roba, skillfully weave together the personal stories of these remarkable pilots with historical context, technical details, and strategic insights. The narrative is both engaging and informative, offering readers a deep understanding of the tactics, technology, and human drama that unfolded in the nocturnal battles over the skies of Europe.

Key Findings

• The book offers a rich collection of firsthand accounts, providing a vivid and intimate portrayal of the night fighter aces and their experiences.
  The authors adeptly balance individual stories with broader historical context, offering a well-rounded perspective on the challenges and achievements of the Luftwaffe's night fighters.
• Readers will gain a profound appreciation of the skill, bravery, and determination exhibited by these aces as they navigate the perils of night combat.

"Night Fighter Aces of the Luftwaffe 1940-1943" stands as a valuable contribution to the understanding of aerial warfare during World War II. It is a must-read for aviation enthusiasts, military history buffs, and anyone interested in the human dimension of conflict.

In conclusion, Page and Roba's work is a compelling tribute to the unsung heroes of the night skies, offering a poignant and enlightening exploration of the challenges and triumphs of the Luftwaffe's night fighter aces. This book is a testament to their courage and skill, and it is certain to leave a lasting impression on anyone who delves into its pages.