The story of aerial photo reconnaissance over Europe and the Mediterranean from bases in the United Kingdom is well known. But perhaps even more important in terms of strategy (and mostly unrecorded) was the job of the photographic squadrons in the Far East; to discover Japanese movements and intentions within a vast area, 2,000 miles across, within which virtually no other intelligence could otherwise be obtained. Flying through appalling weather conditions over some of the most inhospitable terrain in the world, against an implacable enemy, often in aircraft unsuited to the task and frequently unarmed, the crews were, until now, the forgotten eyes of the "Forgotten Army."

Eyes for the Phoenix: Allied Aerial Photo-Reconnaissance Operations, South-East Asia 1941-1945

History

Geoffrey J. Thomas

Asia

Hikoki

<p>Shrouded in secrecy and intrigue during its lifetime and myth and legend since its dissolution, the KG 200 still remains for many one of the most fascinating units of the Luftwaffe. Delivering spies while flying captured Allied aircraft, clandestine reconnaissance missions over land and sea, testing new weapons such as the 'Mistel' composite bomber and the piloted V-1, and extremely long-range liaison flights were just some of their tasks. But there was also a more sinister aspect to their operations: men from KG 200 played a significant part in the notorious action against the French Resistance on the Vercors plateau, others were involved in what were effectively suicide missions. Geoff Thomas's deeply researched text throws new light on all aspects of this unit, dispels a number of myths and shows that despite its 'special' status, KG 200 was just as much a prey to the Nazi hierarchy's power politics as every other branch of Wehrmacht, with results that were often tragic but frequently farcical.</p>

Kg 200: The Luftwaffe's Most Secret Unit

Military

Hikoki Pubns

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Geoffrey J. Thomas. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Geoffrey J. Thomas