The First Pathfinders — The Operational History of Kampfgruppe100 1939-1941
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Characteristics
| ISBN-10 | 0-7183-0318-0 |
| Book cover finish(es) | Hardcover ( rounded spine binding ) |
| Special Features | • Dust jacket |
| Condition | Like NEW |
| Author(s) | Kenneth Wakefield |
| Publisher | William Kimber & Co. Limited |
| Number of pages | 256 |
| Published date | 1981 |
| Language(s) | English |
| Size | 15.5 x 24 x 2 cm |
| Categorie(s) | • AVIATION MILITAIRE • SECONDE GUERRE MONDIALE |
Description
With the British air defence system supreme by day, the Luftwaffe turned to concentrate their attention towards nocturnal bombing missions on major cities and ports. For this purpose they perfected the technique that came to be known as pathfinding — the illumination of the target area by a special force acting as a forerunner to an intense bombing raid. This vital role was to be played by Germany’s best-known bomber unit, Kampfgruppe 100.
Within a detailed and full history of this unit from 1939 until 1941 emerges a fascinating account of its operations over Britain, as night after night German bombers carried out the systematic destruction of the country’s major cities. Much of the Luftwaffe’s success in many of these attacks was due to Kampfgruppe 100’s ability to drop incendiary bombs and start fires in the target area without falling victim to anti-aircraft guns or night-fighters, aided by specialised navigation and targeting apparatus such as the X-Gerät and the Knickebein radio-navigation system.
Yet high praise must also go to the many civilians who acted as fire watchers, dousing the fires as soon as they took hold, and to the fire services who fought tirelessly through the nights. Together they formed an effective team that helped frustrate the German onslaught and limit the devastation caused by these bombing raids.
Although Kampfgruppe 100 remained operational for less than two years in carrying out this crucial and highly specialised task, the Gruppe secured a lasting place in the annals of military history. They were the first true pathfinders.