Luftwaffe

Balkenkreuz fuselage underwing

Balkenkreuz upperwing

Luftwaffe swastika

Hermann Goering - Nuremberg2

Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-401-0204-25, Robert Ritter v. Greim

Bundesarchiv Bild 183-2004-0430-501, Jagdstaffel 11, Manfred v. Richthofen

Luftwaffe is the aerial warfare branch of the German Armed Forces. The term "Luftwaffe" is a German word which means "air force". It was officially established in 1935 by the Nazi regime, breaking the terms of the Treaty of Versailles which prohibited Germany from having an air force. Throughout its history, the Luftwaffe has played a crucial role in German military operations, particularly during World War II, where it was a key component of the Blitzkrieg tactics that led to the rapid conquest of much of Europe.

History

The origins of the Luftwaffe trace back to the period immediately after World War I, when Germany was banned from having an air force. Despite this, secret training of air force personnel in cooperation with the Soviet Union and the development of aircraft continued. With the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, the Luftwaffe was officially established on February 26, 1935, marking a significant rearmament push in violation of the Treaty of Versailles.

During World War II, the Luftwaffe was involved in numerous campaigns, including the Battle of Britain, where it sought to gain air superiority over the Royal Air Force (RAF) but ultimately failed. It also played a significant role on the Eastern Front, in the Mediterranean, and in North Africa. However, as the war progressed, the Luftwaffe suffered from a shortage of trained pilots, fuel, and aircraft, which significantly reduced its effectiveness.

Structure

The Luftwaffe was organized into various units, including fighters (Jagdgeschwader), bombers (Kampfgeschwader), and ground support. It also included paratrooper units (Fallschirmjäger), which were among the first airborne units to be used in military history. The Luftwaffe's command structure was hierarchical, with the Reich Air Ministry overseeing its operations.

Aircraft

The Luftwaffe operated a wide range of aircraft, including the Messerschmitt Bf 109, which was the backbone of its fighter force; the Messerschmitt Bf 110, a heavy fighter; and the Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive bomber, known for its precision bombing capabilities. Other notable aircraft included the Heinkel He 111 and the Dornier Do 17 bombers.

Legacy

After World War II, the Luftwaffe was disbanded, and Germany was once again prohibited from having an air force. However, with the formation of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) in 1949, two new German air forces were eventually established during the Cold War. The Luftwaffe of the Federal Republic of Germany was reformed in 1956, becoming a member of NATO, while East Germany established its own air force within the Warsaw Pact.

The history of the Luftwaffe is a subject of extensive study and debate, particularly its role in World War II and its association with the crimes of the Nazi regime. It remains a significant part of military history and aviation history.