Product Description

Designed in a great rush at the end of 1917 just in time to take part in the German standard fighter competition held in January/February 1918, the D VII easily walked away with first prize. As Germanys premier fighter unit, von Richthofens JG I (led by Hermann Goring in the wake of the 'Red Baron's' recent death) received the first examples of the D VII to reach the frontline in late April. Built to oppose the new generation of French SPAD XIIIs and British SE 5as and Camel fighters, the D VII was arguably the best all-round fighting scout of the Great War.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #233541 in Books
• Published on: 2003-03-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

About the Author
Norman Franks is one of the worlds leading authorities on World War I fighter aviation, having published some of the seminal works on the subject. This is his fifth volume on World War I aces for Osprey, having written Albatros and Nieuport Aces in 1999, and Fokker Dr I aces (with Greg VanWyngarden) and American Aces of World War I in 2001. Greg VanWyngarden had had a lifelong interest in World War I aviation, and has been particularly active in deciphering the colours and markings that decorated the various German fighters flown by the leading aces. This is his second book for Osprey, having co-authored Fokker Dr I Aces with Norman Franks in 2001.

Customer Reviews

Great book describing the aces of a great aircraft.
Fokker D VII Aces Part 2 continues where Part 1 left off in that it covers the aces of the German air force in World War 1 who flew the D VII in the last months of the war. While part 1 covered the D VII aces of the four elite army Jagdgeschwadern, this volume covers the many (and perhaps less famous) army Jagdgruppen who operated along the entire Western Front. The strenghs of the book are the depth of knowledge the authors show, not only in the aircraft and its aces but also the individual aircraft of each ace. The colour plates are excellant and the photos are very good and well choosen.

When reading this book it occured clearly that even though the German army was being defeated on the ground, in the air the German pilots continued to fight on against overwelming odds and continue to take heavy casulties on allied aircraft (having a aircraft like the D VII certaintly helped). An extract from a German pilot in November 1918 says how he felt sad at people not showing gratitude and appreciation for the pilots' efforts during the war. Thanks to books like these the achievements of these brave and pioneering airmen lives on.