Richthofen Jagdstaffel Ahead. RFC Pilots Out-Performed and Out-Gunned Over the Western Front 1917.

London: Grub Street, (2008),

First Edition. octavo, pictorial boards in matching dust jacket. 192 pp. Grub Street, Item #19347

Illustrated. With color illustrations by John Batchelor. Based upon Lionel Blaxland's five photo albums and logbbook. The text is a bit disjointed but the photographs are superb. New.In early 1917 the war in the air intensified on the Western Front in France. Richthofen's deadly Jagdstaffel 11 was flying vastly superior Albatros and Halberstadt planes, with synchronized machine guns. Into the fray came 40 Squadron RFC with its problematic FE8s. No contest you would think, but the bravery and courage of men like Lionel Blaxland, Mick Mannock and their fellow pilots ensured the Germans did not have it all their own way. Author Peter McManus has been extremely fortunate to have possession of Lionel Blaxland's five photo albums and log book. Having also interviewed him and researched documentary evidence of those hectic days, the result, together with the incomparable color artwork of John Batchelor, is an absolutely unique piece of work. A must have for all students and historians of WWI, and collectors of memorabilia.

Price: $39.95

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