Julius Buckler: "Malaula!"

Julius Buckler:

Author: Norman Franks

Publisher: Casemate Publishers

Published: 2012-11-15

Total Pages: 185

ISBN-13: 1909166677

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The memoir of a German fighter ace that gives a much-needed perspective on what it was like to fight for the Central Powers during World War I. This important work was first published in German in late 1939, no doubt timed to impress the young Luftwaffe fighter pilots who were embarking on the second major air war in history. Buckler initially served with the army when the Great War began, until he was wounded and moved to the air service to train as a pilot. Following a baptism of fire flying two-seat reconnaissance missions over France, he became a fighter pilot, joining Jasta 17 in late 1916. Despite receiving several more wounds, he continued in action, finally being awarded the highest decoration of the Pour le Mérite and ending the war with 36 victories over British and French aircraft. Not so much a war diary, his book is more a collection of memories told in a refreshing and entertaining manner. Renowned air historian Norman Franks has placed these in context and added accurate and authenticated details of what Buckler achieved. However, the fighter ace’s original words remain largely unchanged, and Adam Wait’s expert translation gives a valuable insight into what it was like to fly over the Western Front from the other side of the line. “A well rounded, thorough investigation of a topic that would otherwise have remained unknown to most American readers . . . superior and highly recommended.” —Indy Squadron Dispatch


Aces of Jagdstaffel 17

Aces of Jagdstaffel 17

Author: Greg VanWyngarden

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2013-11-20

Total Pages: 232

ISBN-13: 1780967195

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Initially formed to assist in the defence of the city of Metz against French bombing raids, Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 17 would go on to become one of the most distinguish German fighter units of World War 1. Its first victory was scored by the pilot whose story is inextricably interwoven with that of his unit – the 'Blue Max' recipient Julius Buckler. He was largely responsible for inspiring the unit's unique Esprit de Corps, expressed in its famous and unique 'battle-cry' of 'Malaula!' Indeed, in its final days the unit gained the nickname Zirkus Buckler, or the 'Buckler Circus'. Besides Buckler, Jasta 17 boasted such aces as Karl Strasser, Alfred Fleischer and Christian Donhauser. In addition, the roster included colourful characters like the successful Jewish airman Jakob Wolff, who at over 48 years of age was the oldest German fighter pilot of the war. The story of this illustrious unit is told with many first-hand accounts by Buckler, Fleischer and others, as well as dozens of rare archival photos of the unit's beautifully decorated fighter aircraft.


Meeting the Enemy

Meeting the Enemy

Author: Richard van Emden

Publisher: A&C Black

Published: 2013-08-15

Total Pages: 618

ISBN-13: 1408839814

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A British soldier walked over to the German front line to deliver newspapers; British women married to Germans became 'enemy aliens' in their own country; a high-ranking British POW discussed his own troops' heroism with the Kaiser on the battlefield. Just three amazing stories of contact between the opposing sides in the Great War that eminent historian Richard van Emden has unearthed – incidents that show brutality, great humanity, and above all the bizarre nature of a conflict between two nations with long-standing ties of kinship and friendship. Meeting the Enemy reveals for the first time how contact was maintained on many levels throughout the War, and its stories, sometimes funny, often moving, give us a new perspective on the lives of ordinary men and women caught up in extraordinary events.