Ace of the Black Cross: The Memoirs of Ernst Udet

Ace of the Black Cross: The Memoirs of Ernst Udet

Above the mud and misery of the trenches and the endless slugging matches of the First World War another contest was played out with all the military glamour, chivalric values and deadly outcome of a mediaeval, knightly tournament. This was the battle in the air between the first primitive aircraft and the intrepid aviators who flew them. This image of air war is brought nobly to light in the memoirs of Ernst Udet, the German â€˜ace of acesâ€™, whose impressive wartime record was second only to the legendary Â´Red BaronÂ´. Written in a jaunty, Boyâ€™s Own style Udet paints a romantic picture of his experiences and captures what perhaps many young pilots must have felt as they flew off each day to duel with the enemy, the elements and an unreliable technology. Ace of the Black Cross also illustrates the way in which war and defeat left this young generation of tough, spirited, individuals rootless and restless. After the war Udet used his flying skills to give displays to crowds of gawping onlookers, a circus act that left him frustrated and resentful. In 1941, disillusioned and depressed, he shot himself. On the wall before he died he scrawled a message for GÃ¶ring: â€˜Iron man, you have betrayed meâ€™.
Country USA
Brand Pen & Sword Books
Manufacturer Frontline Books
Binding Hardcover
ItemPartNumber Illustrations
ReleaseDate 2013-10-19
UnitCount 1
EANs 9781848327085

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