Product Description: Undoubtedly the most famous of any nation’s aviation units in World War 1 was the legendary Jagdgeschwader Nr 1, or ‘The Flying Circus’ as its respectful foes labelled it. Germany’s first true fighter wing, it would always be associated with its first commander, the charismatic and revered Manfred von Richthofen. JG 1 was formed in July 1917, and for sixteen months the unit’s young pilots in their colourful aircraft battled for aerial dominance of the Western Front. From its ranks emerged many of Germany’s most successful airmen, including the Red Baron’s brother Lothar; Ernst Udet; Werner Voss; Erich Löwenhardt and Hermann Göring. This book charts the World War I experiences of JG 1.
An Aerial Legend: The Flying Circus In 1917, the German Air Service found itself outnumbered by the Allies air forces, so they reorganzied into highly mobile fighter wings relying on concentration of force to achieve their objectives. The first of these pooled four squadrons (Jastas 4,6,10 and 11) to form a fighter wing,Jagdgeschwade Nr. 1. While writing Fokker Fodder, I found this book to be my best reference for German aerial activity, because it details not only locations, but aircraft types, Albatros, Pfalz and Fokker, the combats of the Richthofens, Udet and Goering, and, best of all, over a hundred photographs of the principals. Color plates of their aircraft enlighten the text. I found it not only a great reference, but also an enjoyable read.
A TRULY EXCELLENT BOOK!! This is one of the best Osprey Publishing titles I have ever read! Greg VanWyngarden has put together an excellent and valuable resource book. I am acquainted with the author and know that he is a dedicated World War One Aero historian. He has meticulously assembled in these pages what the old Harleyford books did for their era. Within the scope and limitations of the Osprey series, he has presented the principal pilots, events, and aircraft of the Richthofen Circus. R.A. Forczyk's review is, as usual, very thorough. He points out very well the pros and cons of the book. I think the book deserves the highest rating for the excellent archival photos employed, the first hand accounts (the pilot's own words) and of course the color aircraft profiles are fantastic. They are beautifully executed. The Circus had the most colorful planes of the war. Greg VanWyngarden has very well synchronized the text / story and photos. Once you start reading this book you won't be able to put it down and you won't be able to resist peeking at the profiles either! I have reviewed other Osprey aviation titles. You can check out my other reviews if you wish. I would also recommend these titles by Greg VanWyngarden. You can click on their links! Pfalz Scout Aces of World War 1 (Aircraft of the Aces) Early German Aces of World War I (Aircraft of the Aces) and Albatros Aces of World War 1 Part 2 (Aircraft of the Aces) Part 1 is by Norman Franks, another distinguished aero historian! Albatros Aces of World War I (Osprey Aircraft of the Aces No 32) If you want more details on Richthofen, "The Red Baron" another interesting book is IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE RED BARON (Battleground Europe). There is also available Richthofen's own book! The Red Fighter Pilot: The Autobiography of the Red Baron
'Richtofen's Circus' Jagdgeschwader Nr 1 A fantastic publication. Far more accurate than other books on the same subject. The information about the unit is very informative and the color plates are wonderful.
Its 89th Anniversary- Today Eighty-nine years ago today, Manfred von Richthofen's (the "Red Baron") German army flight group was dismantled with its loss in World War 1. Greg Van Wyngarden's "Richthofen's Circus" (2004, 128-page paperback) is a fascinating read about those pilots and planes.
Presenting a day-to-day account the author offers an intimate look into the lives of JG 1's pilots, victories at war, air war strategies, and the various "areoplanes" flown from June 24th, 1917 to November 19, 1918. Wyngarden uses airmen diaries, German ace interviews, flyers' family anecdotes, and official German army materials to document this interesting story.
The Red Baron (he was the leading German flying ace with 80 kills), his command, his planes, and his battle strategies are thoroughly reviewed. Many German flyers' careers, including Hermann Goring's, are presented (Obr. Lt. Goring briefly led the flight group after Richthofen's death). Each plane (Albatros, Pfalz, and Fokker) used by the Richthofen group is analyzed. Engine power, flight maneuverability, exterior color schemes, and pilot symbolage are presented. In the end, the Allies simply had better machinery and larger numbers (reducing the Red Baron's flight group to difficult fighting levels) for winning WW1.
Perhaps the best portions of this informative book are the many black and white period photos (over 125 total!) and the 46 colored airplane drawings. Also, the researcher will find helpful the various appendix lists.
This book is recommended to all World War 1 students, biplane and triplane aficionados, and Red Baron enthusiasts.
'Richthofen'c Circus' a valuable resource Vanwyngarden's 'Richtofen's Circus': Jagdeschwader Nr.1 (of the Aviation Elite Unit series) is a valuable little resource for those interested in WW1 aviation, providing a clear basic knowledge of the pilots and operations of the various Jastas which made up this legendary unit. Good photographs, interesting text, well worth the purchase.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
