Table of Contents
What was the Luftwaffe and what role did it play in the Battle of Britain?
By the start of World War II in 1939, the Luftwaffe was the strongest and best-trained air force in the world. They played a crucial role in Germany’s methodical and highly effective invasion of much of Western Europe, including Poland, Holland, Belgium and France.
What was the symbol of the Luftwaffe?
‘”beam cross” or “bar cross”‘) is a straight-armed cross that was first introduced in 1916–1918 and later became the emblem of the Wehrmacht (German Armed Forces) and its branches from 1935 until the end of World War II. It was used by the Wehrmacht Heer (Army), Luftwaffe (Air Force), and Kriegsmarine (Navy).
Why is Germany air force still called the Luftwaffe?
This changed in 1955 when West Germany joined NATO, as the Western Allies believed that Germany was needed to counter the increasing military threat posed by the Soviet Union and its Warsaw Pact allies. Therefore, on 9 January 1956, a new German Air Force called Luftwaffe was founded as a branch of the new Bundeswehr.
Is it still called the Luftwaffe?
The Luftwaffe is just the Luftwaffe, no distinction is needed but today, just as in WW2 it is usually referred to in English as ‘The German Air Force’. The Wermacht was the name used by Germany’s armed forces in WW2, today this has become the Bundeswehr.
What happened to the Luftwaffe after the Battle of Britain?
Both sides lost heavily during the Battle of Britain. More than 1700 Luftwaffe (German air force) planes were destroyed. The 2662 German casualties included many experienced aircrew, and the Luftwaffe never fully recovered from the reverse it suffered in August-October 1940.
What planes did the Luftwaffe used in the Battle of Britain?
| AIRCRAFT | COUNTRY | AIRCRAFT TYPE |
|---|---|---|
| Junkers Ju87 Stuka | German | Dive bomber |
| Junkers Ju88 | German | Medium range bomber/Dive bomber |
| Heinkel HeIII | German | Medium range bomber |
| Dornier Do17 | German | Medium range bomber |
What planes were used by the Luftwaffe?
Luftwaffe aircraft
| RLM # | Aircraft | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 232 | Arado Ar 232 Tausendfüßler | transport |
| 234 | Arado Ar 234 Blitz | reconnaissance/bomber |
| 240 | Arado Ar 240 | fighter |
| 440 | Arado Ar 440 | fighter |
Who was the head of the Luftwaffe?
Hermann Göring
| Hermann Göring | |
|---|---|
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Commander-in-chief of the Luftwaffe | |
| In office 1 March 1935 – 24 April 1945 | |
| Führer | Adolf Hitler |
What is Luftwaffe called in English?
air weapon
1. A German word meaning air weapon, used for the German airforce.
Why did the Luftwaffe lose the battle of Britain?
The decisive factors were British capability and determination, but German mistakes, before and during the battle, contributed significantly to the outcome. German rearmament was forbidden by the Treaty of Versailles at the end of World War I, but aircraft development continued under the guise of civil aviation.
How did the Luftwaffe lose air superiority?
Third, in January of 1945, Operation Bodenplatte was the Luftwaffe lost any type of air superiority. It’s fighter defenses were ill-spend on ground attack missions with ill-trained pilots, with much friendly fire. The losses in fuel and pilots could not be replaced. This was the final straw.
Who was the commander of the Luftwaffe?
Luftwaffe Commander-in-Chief Hermann Göring addresses a group of German pilots during the Battle of Britain. The Luftwaffe was officially created on 26 February 1935, with Göring as its commander-in-chief. He had been a celebrated First World War fighter pilot and was one of Hitler’s closest political associates.