Part 1

The Fighter Force

The chapters in this section, written primarily by Galland, are his account of how he saw the Luftwaffe fighter force organization change from his prewar service to the last battles. In this way, as well as setting out the different organizational terms and levels used in the other chapters, they also function as an overview of the entire conflict. They also include a focus on the twin-engine fighter force throughout the conflict and how it overcame its defeat in the Battle of Britain to become a key part of the Luftwaffe’s defensive efforts. However, because these interrogations are being carried out for the benefit of the USAAF rather than the RAF, night fighter operations are not emphasized.