Aces of Jagdgeschwader Nr III

Royal Prussian Jagdgeschwader Nr III was the third of Germany's vaunted fighter wings to be formed during World War 1. Commanded by the Pour le Merite winner and well-respected ace Hauptmann Bruno Loerzer for its entire existence, it was composed of the celebrated Jasta 'Boelcke', along with Jagdstaffeln 26, 27 and 36. Equipped largely with the new Fokker triplane, these four units would play an important role in the Kaiserschlacht as part of the 17. Armee.

As Germany's fortunes waned in the summer of 1918, the aces of JG III nonetheless did their best to stem the tides of British, French and later American aircraft they encountered. Aces such as Carl Bolle, Paul Baumer, Heinrich Bongartz, Hermann Frommherz, Rudolf Klimke and the infamous Hermann Goring all carved their names in the record books flying in this formidable formation. This book examines the tactics, achievements and personalities of one of the deadliest of Germany's aerial units.

Greg VanWyngarden has had a lifelong interest in World War 1 aviation and has been particularly active in gathering information on the colours and markings that decorated the various German fighters. This is the 12th title he has written or co-authored for Osprey, including Aces of Jagdstaffel 17 in the Aircraft of the Aces series, andRichthofen's Circus: Jagdgeschwader Nr I, Jagdgeschwader Nr II Geschwader 'Berthold'and Jasta 18 - The Red Noses in the Elite Unit series.