Luftwaffe Eagle — From the Me109 to the Me262

Luftwaffe pilot Walter Schuck flew the Me109 in the Arctic Sea fighter squadrons becoming the Russian air force's feared enemy in the far north. Awarded the Knights Cross in April 1944 he claimed his 100th victory in June of that year, then barely 48 hours later shot down 12 aircraft in one day - a record never achieved by any other Arctic Sea pilot.

His mastery continued when in March 1945 he joined Jagdgeschwader 7, newly equipped with Me262 jet fighters and shot down two Allied fighters on his first operation. Taking command of the third Staffel of JG 7 his success in the aerial theatre was unsurpassed when he brought down four B-17 bombers in one mission. Shortly afterwards, meeting one of the bombers' escort fighters in combat, his fuel system exploded and he had to bail out. Walter Schuck's war was over, after over 500 front line sorties and 206 confirmed kills.

Celebrated by his colleagues for his skill, courage, sheer guts and chivalry including the deep feelings for those he shot down, he earned the nickname 'Eagle of the Tundra' or 'Northern Knight'. Rich in detail and facts and supplemented by photographs from his personal collection and colour aircraft profiles, Walter Schuck's story helps us to put the past into context, painting a unique picture of life in the Luftwaffe during the times of the Third Reich.

Flying both the Me109 and Me262, Luftwaffe ace Walter Schuck tells his own story simply, conveying his impressions of life, the rationale of the Lufwaffe and the everyday life of a military man in those times, including the difficulties and hardships of the war in the Arctic Seas.

In a gripping narrative, the author helps us to understand why he and his colleagues were prepared to lay down their lives for their people, and their country.