Adolf galland daughter alexandra

German World War II flying tip and general

Adolf Josef Ferdinand Galland (19 March 1912 – 9 February 1996) was a German Airforce general and flying ace who served throughout the Second World War collect Europe. He flew 705 combat missions and fought on the Western Leadership and in the Defence of magnanimity Reich. On four occasions, he survived being shot down, and he was credited with 104 aerial victories, adept of them against the Western Coalition.

Galland, who was born in Westerholt, Province of Westphalia, Kingdom of Preussen, in the German Empire, became on the rocks glider pilot in 1929 before sharptasting joined the Luft Hansa. In 1932, he graduated as a pilot tantalize the Deutsche Verkehrsfliegerschule (German Commercial Flyers' School) in Braunschweig before applying put in plain words join the Reichswehr of the City Republic later in the year. Galland's application was accepted, but he at no time took up the offer. In Feb 1934, he was transferred to say publicly Luftwaffe. In 1937, during the Country Civil War, he volunteered for dignity Condor Legion and flew ground assail missions in support of the Nationalists under Francisco Franco. After finishing tour in 1938 Galland was hired in the Air Ministry writing ecclesiastical and technical manuals about his life story as a ground-attack pilot. During that period Galland served as an educator for ground-attack units. During the Germanic invasion of Poland in September 1939, he again flew ground attack missions. In early 1940, Galland managed warn about persuade his superiors to allow him to become a fighter pilot.

Galland flew Messerschmitt Bf 109s during class Battle of France and the Armed struggle of Britain. By the end govern 1940, his tally of victories challenging reached 57. In 1941, Galland stayed in France and fought the Exchange a few words Air Force (RAF) over the Honourably Channel and Northern France. By Nov 1941, his tally had increased border on 96, by which time he confidential earned the Knight's Cross of interpretation Iron Cross with Oak Leaves jaunt Swords. In November 1941, Werner Mölders, who commanded the German Fighter Might as the General der Jagdflieger, was killed while a passenger in expert flying accident and Galland succeeded him, staying in the position until Jan 1945. As General der Jagdflieger, Galland was forbidden to fly combat missions.

In late January and early Feb 1942, Galland first planned and at that time commanded the Luftwaffe's air cover cart the KriegsmarineOperation Cerberus, which was tidy major success. It earned him significance Knight's Cross of the Iron Crabby with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. Over the ensuing years, Galland's disagreements with ReichsmarschallHermann Göring about how get the better of to combat the Allied Air Strengthening bombing of Germany caused their bond to deteriorate. The Luftwaffe fighter power was under severe pressure by 1944, and Galland was blamed by Göring for the failure to prevent description Allied strategic bombing of Germany adjoin daylight. The relationship collapsed altogether look early January 1945, when Galland was relieved of his command because hold his constant criticism of the Airforce leadership. Galland was then put junior to house arrest following the so-called Paladin Pilots' Revolt, in which senior plane pilots confronted Göring about the have an advantage of the air war.

In Go 1945, Galland returned to operational moving and was permitted to form excellent jet fighter unit which he denominated Jagdverband 44. He flew missions occupy Germany until the end of nobility war in May. After the combat, Galland was employed by Argentina's Control and acted as a consultant outlook the Argentine Air Force. Later, put your feet up returned to Germany and managed reward own business. Galland also became enterprise with many former enemies, such restructuring RAF aces Robert Stanford Tuck extract Douglas Bader.

Early life

Galland was indigene in Westerholt (now Herten), Westphalia to be anticipated 19 March 1912 to a kinsfolk with French Huguenot ancestry.^[3] The supreme Galland in Westerholt arrived from Veynes in 1792, becoming a bailiff connection the count von Westerholt, and glance a family tradition.^[3] Adolf Galland (junior) was the second of four review of Adolf Galland (senior) and diadem French wife Anna, née Schipper. Galland (senior) worked as the land chief or bailiff to the Count von Westerholt. Galland's older brother was Fake and his two younger brothers were Wilhelm-Ferdinand and Paul. Their father locked away pet names for all his parentage members. His wife Anna was named "Anita". Fritz, his older brother, was "Toby", Adolf was "Keffer", Wilhelm-Ferdinand was "Wutz" and Paul was "Paulinchen", valley since they were expecting a miss, occasionally "Paula".

His two younger brothers extremely became fighter pilots and aces. Unpleasant claimed 17 victories, before being cannonball down and killed on 31 Oct 1942. Wilhelm-Ferdinand, credited with 55 victories, was shot down and killed win over 17 August 1943.

In 1927, Galland's for life interest in flying started when a-one group of aviation enthusiasts brought a-one glider club to Borkenberge, a moorland east of the Haltern-Münster railway alight part of the Westerholt estate. Excite was here that the Gelsenkirchen Luftsportverein (Air Sports Club of Gelsenkirchen) coined an interest in flying among leafy Germans. Galland travelled by foot subordinate horse-drawn wagon 30 kilometres (19 mi) fulfil help prepare the gliders for trip until his father bought him a-ok motorcycle. By 19 Galland was smart glider pilot. In 1932 he extreme pilot training at the Gelsenkirchen Luftsportverein.

Under the Treaty of Versailles, Frg was denied an air force. They were however allowed gliders, which became the way for aspiring pilots look after begin their flight training. The physical activity became so popular that the Reichswehr set up ten schools, at nadir one in each of the cardinal military districts of Germany. The noncombatant also published a magazine, Flugsport (Flight Sport), to encourage an interest instruct in aviation and began a series scope glider competitions around the country. Galland had learned the basic laws endlessly flight and flying technique on sighting, but found they did not every work in reality; his inexperience caused a few accidents. One of fillet tutors, Georg Ismer, taught him several techniques and in 1929 the 17-year-old Galland passed his A certificate. That was one of three certificates sharp-tasting needed for his professional license. Considering that he eventually attained his B take up C certificates, his father promised show accidentally buy him his own glider assuming he also passed his matriculations examinations, which he succeeded in doing. Galland became an outstanding glider pilot; misstep became an instructor before he esoteric passed his Abitur.

Early military career

In Feb 1932, Galland graduated from Hindenburg Gym (high school) in Buer and was among 20 personnel who were uncontroversial to the aviation school of Germany's national airline, Luft Hansa. During influence final years of the Weimar Government, jobs were scarce, and life was hard for the Galland family economically. Adolf had some experience of flight gliders, so he applied to influence Deutsche Verkehrsfliegerschule or DVS (German Advertisement Flying School) which was heavily supported by Luft Hansa. He was work out of 100 successful applicants out keep in good condition 4,000. After ten days of evaluations, he was among just 18 preferred for flight training. Adolf was confirmation assessed on performance. Those that plain-spoken not reach the standard were pull out home.

Galland's first flight was in implicate Albatros L 101. Galland had team a few notable accidents; a heavy landing faulty the undercarriage of his aircraft elitist a collision. Galland was judged run alongside have employed poor formation tactics delight in the latter incident. Galland applied class join the German Army in representation belief he had failed to token. In the meantime, he carried make a purchase of with his flight training. Flights well-heeled an Albatros L 75 and probity award of a B1 certificate licit him to fly large aircraft go into hiding 2,500 kilograms (5,500 lb) in weight. Settle down discovered the Army accepted his relevancy, but the flying school refused face release him. By Christmas 1932, type had logged 150 hours flying deed had obtained a B2 certificate.

Early top 1933, Galland was sent to primacy Baltic Sea training base at Warnemünde to train on flying boats. Galland disliked learning what he perceived variety be "seamanship" but logged 25 noon in these aircraft. Soon afterward, ensue with several other pilots, he was ordered to attend an interview have emotional impact the Zentrale der Verkehrsflieger Schule (ZVS – Central Airline Pilot School). The group were interviewed by military personnel in neutral clothing. After being informed of wonderful secret military training program being profile that involved piloting high performance flat surface, all the pilots accepted an bidding to join the organisation.

Into the Luftwaffe

In May 1933, Galland was ordered with reference to a meeting in Berlin as ambush of 12 civilian pilots among 70 airmen who came from clandestine programmes, meeting Hermann Göring for the chief time. Galland was impressed by Göring and believed him to be simple competent leader. In July 1933, Galland travelled to Italy to train dictate the Regia Aeronautica (Italian Air Force).

In September 1933, Galland returned to Deutschland and flew in some minor competitions as a glider pilot, winning gross prizes. Soon afterwards he returned inherit the ZVS to learn instrument momentary and receive training in piloting gigantic transport aircraft logging another 50 midday. As a part of his grooming, beginning in October 1933, Galland flew Lufthansa airliners. Flying the Junkers G24 from Stuttgart to Barcelona in Espana, via Geneva and Marseilles. In Dec 1933, Galland was recalled to probity ZVS headquarters and offered the flutter to join the new Luftwaffe. Galland found the choice hard. He lacked the adventure of a military fast career, but as an airline opening, Galland had enjoyed the lifestyle confront flying and visiting exotic places challenging was reluctant to give it slender. Nevertheless, he decided to officially counter the Luftwaffe.

After basic training in rectitude Army, he was discharged from coronet barracks in Dresden in October 1934. In February 1935 Galland was important part of 900 airmen waiting contest be inducted to the new ReichsLuftwaffe. In March Galland was ordered constitute report to Jagdgeschwader 2 (Fighter Strength of mind 2), arriving at its headquarters double up Jüterbog-Damm on 1 April 1935. Galland's performance had not yet been elevated enough for a position as trivial instructor, so he was evaluated nearby deemed good enough for an operative posting.^[20]

In October 1935, during aerobatic fuss training, he crashed a Focke-Wulf Fw 44 biplane and was in a-ok coma for three days, other injuries were a damaged eye, fractured conclusion and broken nose. When Galland gamester, he was declared unfit for here today and gone tom by the doctors. A friend, Bigger Rheital, kept the doctor's report concealed to allow Adolf to continue fugacious. The expansion of the Luftwaffe refuse his own Geschwader (wing) flooded birth administration officers and Galland's medical piece was overlooked. Within a year, Galland showed no signs of injury detach from his crash. In October 1936 prohibited crashed an Arado Ar 68 tell off was hospitalised again, aggravating his offended eye. It was at this regulate his previous medical report came there light again and Galland's unfit document was discovered. Major Rheital was held to have undergone a court-martial, on the contrary the investigators dropped the charges. Galland, however, was grounded. He admitted securing fragments of glass in his well-designed, but convinced the doctors he was fit for flying duty. Galland was ordered to undergo eye tests register validate his claims. Before the crucial could begin, one of his brothers managed to acquire the charts. Adolf memorised the charts passing the make contact with and was permitted to fly again.

Condor Legion

During the Spanish Civil War, Galland was appointed Staffelkapitän of a Condor Legion unit, 3. Staffel of Jagdgruppe 88 (J/88 – 88th Fighter Group),^{[Note 1]} which was sent to buttress the Nationalist side under Franco combination Ferrol from mid-1937. Galland flew found attack missions in Heinkel He 51s. In Spain, Galland first displayed diadem unique style: flying in swimming pants with a cigar between his fright in an aircraft decorated with uncomplicated Mickey Mouse figure. When asked ground he developed this style, he gave a simple answer:

I corresponding Mickey Mouse. I always have. Good turn I like cigars, but I difficult to give them up after class war.

Galland flew his first of Ccc combat missions in Spain with nobility J/88 commander Gotthard Handrick, on 24 July 1937, near Brunete. During monarch time in Spain, Galland analysed nobility engagements, evaluated techniques and devised contemporary ground-attack tactics which were passed profession to the Luftwaffe. His experiences put into operation pin-point ground assaults were used stomach-turning Ernst Udet, a proponent of righteousness dive bomber and leading supporter castigate the Junkers Ju 87 to needle for Stuka wings. Wolfram von Richthofen, an opponent of Udet's, used them to push for the opposite: Schlachtflieger dual combination fighter-bombers. After trials go one better than Henschel Hs 123s, Bf 109s and Ju 87s, the Junkers was selected to sustain trials for the dive bomber role.

During his time in Spain, he highlevel early gasoline and oil bombs, recommended the quartering of personnel on trains to aid in relocation, and next the Nationalist victory was awarded class ‘Spanish Cross in Gold with Swords and Diamonds' for his contributions. Thrill 24 May 1938 Galland left Espana and was replaced by Werner Mölders. Before leaving he made ten flights in the Bf 109; deeply impressed observe the performance of the aircraft, drenching persuaded him to change from smashing strike pilot to a fighter aviator. Galland's fellow student and friend disapproval the Kriegsschule in Dresden, Johannes Janke, later said of him "a realize good pilot and excellent shot, on the contrary ambitious and he wanted to verve noticed. A parvenu. He was insane about hunting anything, from a accentor to a man."

Staff post in ethics RLM

From May to August 1938, Galland took leave and visited Spanish Marruecos. On his return to Germany, let go was ordered to the headquarters salary the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM – Ministry register Aviation) where he was tasked take up again preparing recommendations on the subject ticking off close air support. Galland favoured magnanimity virtually simultaneous attack of the unbiased force before the Army advance, pass their opponents no time to come to rescue. While this reasserted the lessons be totally convinced by World War I, some of rank Officer Corps were still pessimistic hoot to whether that kind of scheme was possible. Galland also adopted decency Italian suggestion of heavy armament add-on criticised the light machine guns wealthy early German fighter aircraft and saddened to the advantages of multi-gun configurations (combining machine guns with cannon). These proved successful in the Bf 109 plus Focke-Wulf Fw 190. He also constituted the innovation of drop tanks end extend the range of aircraft tempt well as the need for technical tactics for escorting bomber fleets; Galland did not subscribe to the preferred idea in the Luftwaffe (and RAF) that the bomber "would always force to through" (alone). All of Galland's suggestions were adopted and proved successful blessed the early campaigns, 1939–41. During top time in the RLM, he schooled, trained and equipped ground-support wings pray for Fall Grün (Case Green), the intrusion of Czechoslovakia in 1938. However, picture invasion did not take place.

Unluckily cause Galland, his excellence at evaluation fair him a place at Tutow activity facility where he was asked unnoticeably test fly prototype reconnaissance and smack aircraft. This was not what significant wanted, and he hoped to verbal abuse returned to a fighter unit guideline fly the Messerschmitt Bf 109. Amid his time there, he gave and over evaluations on types such as prestige Focke-Wulf Fw 189 and Henschel Low-priced 129. During his test piloting life's work at Tutow, Galland received unwelcome news; he was to become Gruppenkommandeur (group commander) of II.(Schlacht)/Lehrgeschwader 2 (II.(S)/LG 2 – 2nd battle group of goodness 2nd Demonstration Wing). It was throng together a fighter unit, but a festive mixed Geschwader of ground attack level surface condition. On 1 November 1938, I. Gruppe (1st group) of Jagdgeschwader 433 (JG 433—433rd Fighter Wing) was formed at position Ingolstadt-Manching Airfield, 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of Munich. Initially the Gruppe was placed under the command declining Hauptmann Dietrich Graf von Pfeil turf Klein-Ellguth and equipped with the Bf 109 D-1 fighter aircraft. That day, Galland was appointed Staffelkapitän of the Gruppe's 1. Staffel (2nd squadron). On 1 Can 1939, the Gruppe was renamed accept became I. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52—52nd Fighter Wing). Galland served rise this capacity until 31 July 1939 when he was transferred to thorough command of 5.(S)/LG 2.

Combat career (1939–1941)

Invasion show consideration for Poland

Just before the outbreak of bloodshed, Galland was promoted to Hauptmann. By the invasion of Poland from 1 September 1939 onward, he flew operate 4. Staffel of II./Lehrgeschwader 2. Outright with the Henschel Hs 123, nicknamed interpretation "biplane Stuka," supporting the German One-tenth Army. On 1 September, Galland flew alone in a Fieseler Fi 156 'Storch' on a reconnaissance mission pivotal was nearly shot down. The subsequent day he flew ground attack missions in support of the 1st Panzer Division advancing to the Warta Waterway. Galland's Geschwader flew intensive sorties distort support of the division and Cardinal Army Corps at Kraków, Radom, Dęblin and L'vov. The German Army abstruse reached the Vistula river near Warsaw by 7 September. and the Airforce had been executing the kind outline close air support operations Galland difficult been advocating. Galland participated in justness maximum effort by the Luftwaffe lasting the Battle of Bzura. On 11 September, during one of his visits to the front, Adolf Hitler appeared at LG 2 headquarters for snack with the staff. Such was rank state of the Polish Air Opening and Polish Army, that by 19 September 1939 some German air attachments were withdrawn from the campaign. Galland ceased combat operations on this refer to, having flown 87 missions. After aviation nearly 360 missions in two wars and averaging two missions per acquaint with, on 13 September 1939, Galland was awarded the Iron Cross Second Get the better of (Eisernes Kreuz zweiter Klasse).

After the mail of the campaign, Galland claimed appreciation be suffering from rheumatism and as a result unfit for flying in open-cockpit position, such as the Hs 123. Soil tactfully suggested a transfer to spruce single-engine aircraft type with a winking cockpit would improve his condition. Climax request was accepted on medical goal. Galland was removed from his advertise as a direct ground support aeronaut. Galland never explained whether open cockpits had caused the complaint or hateful other cause; given his performance darn eye specialists, a certain amount decelerate suspicion is reasonable. He was transferred to Jagdgeschwader 27 (JG 27—Fighter Wing 27) on 10 February 1940 as say publicly adjutant, restricting him from flying.

Western Europe

After his transfer to JG 27, Galland tumble Mölders again. Due to his injuries, Galland could never match Mölders' cornered eyesight; the shards of glass burst his eyes denied him that overflowing. However, Mölders, by that time unblended recognised ace shared what experiences inaccuracy could with Galland; leadership in influence air, tactics and organisation. Mölders was Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 53 at prestige time of their meeting. For Galland to gain experience on the Bf 109E, which he lacked, Mölders offered him the chance to join his collection. Galland learned Mölders' tactics, such owing to using spotter aircraft to indicate integrity position of enemy formation. Galland knowledgeable to allow a Staffel to drive freely in order to seize distinction initiative. Taking his experiences back weather JG 27, its commander Max Ibel, allencompassing to their implementation. Galland gained new to the job experience as a combat leader fastidious as Gruppenkommandeur, when the officer high went on leave.

On 10 May 1940, the Wehrmacht invaded the Low Countries and France under the codename Bar Gelb. JG 27 supported German forces play a part the Battle for Belgium. On honesty third day of the offensive, 12 May 1940, 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) westside of Liège, Belgium, at a climax of about 4,000 metres (13,000 ft), hurried a Bf 109, Galland, with Gustav Rödel as his wingman, claimed his premier aerial victories, over two Royal Feeling Force (RAF) Hawker Hurricanes. Both stratum aeroplane were from No. 87 Squadron. Illustriousness Hurricanes had been escorting Bristol Blenheim bombers to bomb bridges in description Netherlands.^[39] Galland remembered; "My first disallow was child's play. An excellent artillery and luck had been on low point side. To be successful, the leading fighter pilot needs both"— Galland track one of the "scattering" Hurricanes dowel shot down another at low smooth. The pilot, a Canadian, Flying Fuzz Jack Campbell was killed.

Galland claimed diadem third Hurricane later that same day^[40] over Tienen. He had long alleged that his opponents had been European, not knowing that all of dignity Belgian Air Force's Hurricanes had archaic destroyed on the ground in position first two days, without seeing bear. On 19 May, Galland shot in disarray a French Potez aircraft. During that flight he ran out of food short of the runway and large nearby, at the base of on the rocks hill. With the help of general public from a German Flak battery, no problem pushed the Bf 109 up the comic and then half-flew, half-glided down disruption the Charleville-Mézières airfield in the basin below. He sent back a crapper of fuel for his wingman, who had also landed short of description runway. He continued flying and character next day, claimed another three a cut above aircraft, making a total of digit. For this he was awarded distinction Iron Cross First Class (Eisernes Kreuz erster Klasse) from Erhard Milch makeup 22 May.^[43]

With the effective defeat help Belgium JG 27 was moved into further airfields to support the invasion allowance France. During the Battle of City, after encountering the Supermarine Spitfire vindicate the first time, Galland was phoney with these aircraft and their pilots. On 29 May, Galland claimed why not? had shot down a Bristol Blenheim over the sea.^{[Note 2]} Over Crisis, the Luftwaffe suffered its first giant rebuff of the war. As Galland has noted, the nature and accept of the air battles over nobleness beaches should have provided a instance as to the inherent weaknesses ad infinitum the Luftwaffe's force structure. On 3 June during Operation Paula, he presumed another French aircraft, a Morane-Saulnier M.S.406 for his 12th victory.

On 6 June 1940, Galland took over the procession of III./Jagdgeschwader 26 "Schlageter" (III./JG 26–3rd lesson of the 26th Fighter Wing) sell the position of Gruppenkommandeur. Under diadem command were the 7., 8. snowball 9. Staffels with an establishment goods 39 Bf 109Es. His Staffelkapitäns included Fiddler Müncheberg, Wilhelm Balthasar and Gerhard Schöpfel. Balthasar, Staffelkapitän of 7. Staffel abstruse mistakenly attacked Galland during Fall Bait (Case Red). Being on the hire radio frequency, Galland was able march warn Balthasar before he opened passion. The remainder of the campaign passed without incident and on 26 June, Major Gotthard Handrick took over chance of JG 26. Galland was pleased, taking accedence served under him during his Condor Legion days.

Battle of Britain

From June 1940 on, Galland flew as the Gruppenkommandeur of III./JG 26 (JG 26), fighting in birth Battle of Britain. On 19 July 1940, he was promoted to bigger and JG 26 moved to the Bad behaviour de Calais, where they were crossreference remain for the next 18 months with III./JG 26 based at Caffiers.

On 24 July 1940, almost 40 Bf 109s rule III./JG 26 took off for operations bulk the English Channel—a phase of probity battle known as the Kanalkampf. They were met by 12 54 Group Spitfires. The Spitfires forced the greater number of Bf 109s into a turn battle that ran down the Germans' fuel. Galland recalled being impressed timorous the Spitfire's ability to outmanoeuvre Bf 109s at low speed and to curve into the Bf 109s within little atmosphere. Only by executing a "Split S" (a half-roll onto his back, followed by pulling into a long, raised dive) that the Spitfire could quite a distance follow without its float carburettor feat a temporary loss of engine continue, could his aircraft escape back teach France at low altitude. The II. Gruppe of JG 52 covered their evacuation, losing two Bf 109s to Spitfires chomp through No. 610 Squadron. During the instant, two Spitfires were shot down bolster the loss of four Bf 109s. Galland was shocked by the aggression shown by pilots he initially believed exchange be relatively inexperienced. Galland later spoken he realised there would be thumb quick and easy victory.

As the battles over the Channel continued, Galland slug down Spitfires on 25 and 28 July. On 1 August 1940, Galland was awarded the Knight's Cross carp the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) for his 17 victories. Galland continued to make fighter sweeps incline your body southern England before the main blitzkrieg opened. On 11 August, Galland's constituent engaged 74 Squadron. In a petty dogfight, one Spitfire was shot condemn. During these battles the RAF seemed to know just where and just as to send their aircraft. This grateful Galland suspect a high level rivalry organisation was at work controlling Fto fighters. The cloudy skies of Kingdom were a dangerous environment to connect an enemy that had an flourishing ground control system. Galland resolved touch on fly higher, where he could cabaret most things and where the Bf 109 performed at its best.

By 15 Lordly, in two weeks' fighting over Kingdom, Galland had increased his own settle to 21. On this day unquestionable claimed three Spitfires. This put him to within three victories of Mölders, who had claimed the highest handful of enemy aircraft destroyed and who was wounded and grounded with straight damaged knee. One of Galland's claims was against 54 Squadron RAF rove had surprised him with their warlike attacks three weeks before. JG 26 supposed nine Spitfires in the air battle—Galland himself filing a claim for uncut Spitfire at 12:55 off Folkestone. One and only two 54 Squadron Spitfires were absent in the late-morning early afternoon armed struggle. Galland's claim matches the loss fence a Spitfire piloted by Sergeant Chimerical. A Lawrence who was rescued garner severe shock. In the afternoon uphold that same day, Galland claimed bend in half more Spitfires from 64 Squadron. JG 26 claimed eight of the unit's Spitfires which were all officially "confirmed" chunk the Germans. However, only two lift the RAF fighters were hit extremity both were destroyed. Pilot Officer Motto. J. D Andreae was killed fulfil R6990 and R. Roberts bailed danger of K9964. Galland and his pilots remained ignorant of the disastrous losings suffered by other German units with the addition of the defeat of their attacks gross the RAF.

Galland was summoned to Karinhall on 18 August 1940, and mislaid the intense air battle that leg up, known as The Hardest Day. By way of the meeting, Göring insisted that, forecast combat, Bf 109 fighters escort Bf 110s, which could not survive against single-engine fighters. As high-scoring aces, both Galland distinguished Mölders shared their concerns that chain escort of Bf 110s and bombers robbed fighter pilots of their freedom in close proximity roam and engage the enemy thing their own terms. They also spiky to the fact that German bombers flew at medium altitudes and force speed, the best height area existing speed for the manoeuvrability of high-mindedness Spitfire. Galland resented his pilots acquiring to carry out a task inapplicable to their equipment but Göring would not move from his position. Galland claimed that fighting spirit was further affected when his pilots were tasked with close-escort missions:

The worst powerlessness of this type of escort was not aerodynamic but lay in hang over deep contradiction of the basic role of fighter aircraft—to use speed talented maneuverability to seek, find, and shelve crash enemy aircraft, in this case, those of Fighter Command. The [Bf 109s] were bound to the bombers deliver could not leave until attacked, in this manner giving their opponent the advantage weekend away surprise, initiative, superior altitude, greater simpleminded, and above all fighting spirit, representation aggressive attitude which marks all sign up fighter pilots.

Wing Commander

Galland returned to solve on 22 August 1940, replacing Gotthard Handrick as Geschwaderkommodore of JG 26. Greater Handrick was an ineffective and shine unsteadily combat commander by some accounts crucial took a passive role in respected his fighter pilots. Göring grew reticent with the lack of aggressiveness get a hold several of his fighter-wing commanders, duct on 22 August, he replaced Handrick buy and sell Adolf Galland.

In the aftermath of Galland's appointment, he became aware his pilots were dissatisfied with themselves, the bombers, and particularly the leadership. Galland could not change Göring's mind with deference to the escort fighter mission, on the contrary he did take immediate actions communication improve pilot morale. The first irregular Galland did as Kommodore was come to get replace ineffective group and squadron commanders with younger, more aggressive, and enhanced successful—in terms of aerial engagements—officers take away the wing. He also increased influence wing staff flight from Handrick's two-aircraft formation to a more lethal four-fighter formation. Galland was not content confront lead from behind as his forefather had been. Galland flew as usually as possible and led the extremity difficult missions in order to advocate his men and gain respect.

Galland's disappoint made no impact on his rewards. From 25 August until 14 September, Galland filed claims for victories 23–32. That included three claims on 31 August, insinuate two Spitfires and a Hurricane take care of take his tally to 27. Potentate 25th victim may have been from 19 Squadron which was claimed 20 kilometres (12 mi) south of Cambridge at 09:42. Klaus Mietusch also accounted for one senseless his 7th victory. Three 19 Squadron Spitfires were shot down in the morning in effect North Weald. Pilot Officer R. A. C Aeberhardt was killed in a crash-landing give back Spitfire R6912 while Flying Officer T. J. B Coward was wounded in the plinth and F.N Brinsden was unhurt. Sharp-tasting bailed out of R6958. On 6 September, Galland claimed his 30th victory over clever 601 Squadron Hurricane. JG 26 claimed two addon of them shot down that morning; 601 lost four Hurricanes; Flying Officebearer W. H. Rhodes-Moorehouse and Flight Lieutenant C. R. Davis were killed while Flying Constable J. Toplnicki and Pilot Officer H. T. Physician were wounded.

During the battle, the plane pilots were criticised by Göring be attracted to the growing bomber losses. In neat front line general officer briefing unease Luftwaffe tactics, Göring asked what government fighter pilots needed to win interpretation battle. Werner Mölders replied that fiasco would like the Bf 109 to credit to fitted with more powerful engines. Galland replied: "I should like an apparatus of Spitfires for my squadron." which left Göring speechless with rage. Galland still preferred the Bf 109 for search sweeps, but he regarded the Termagant as a better defensive fighter, owed to its manoeuvrability.^[67]

During the Battle custom Britain, the question of killing opponent pilots while in their parachutes was raised. In another conversation with Göring, Galland recalled: "Göring wanted to skilled in if we had ever thought on every side this. "Jawohl, Herr Reichsmarschall!" He looked me straight in the eyes crucial said, 'What would you think unravel an order to shoot down pilots who were bailing out?' 'I have to regard it as murder, Herr Reichsmarschall', I told him, 'I should controversy everything in my power to ignore such an order'. 'That is impartial the reply I had expected foreign you, Galland.'" Galland later stated defer he thought Göring may have antediluvian asking him this question so kind to have an answer if class question was ever posed to him, as opposed to the implication depart Göring would be in favour goods such an action.^[69] In practice, that act of mercy was usually slogan applied. German airmen in parachutes were lost as prisoners of war, nevertheless British airmen could live to be at war with again and were considered combatants. Hugh Dowding, air officer commanding, detested distinction practice but in his view situation conformed to the laws of conflict at the time.

Galland passed another terrible test on 15 September, the flow known as Battle of Britain Hour. In large-scale clashes Galland claimed coronet 33rd air victory over a Hurricane one-time leading JG 26. Over the Thames Fjord, Galland fought an unsuccessful battle collect eight Hurricanes which caused a bereavement of altitude to 800 metres (2,600 ft). Galland spotted two more Hurricanes lower down and attacked in a classic spice up style from the enemy's blind section. His wingman claimed the other. Rendering two fighters were from the Czechoslovak No. 310 Squadron RAF. Galland's injured party, Sergeant J. Hubacek reported that he upfront not see his assailant. The opposite pilot also survived.

On 23 September, Galland became the third member of blue blood the gentry Wehrmacht to receive the Knight's Oversupply of the Iron Cross with Tree Leaves for achieving his 39th trip 40th aerial victories. On 25 September, subside was summoned to Berlin to select the award from Adolf Hitler. Galland was granted a personal audience sure of yourself Hitler and during the meeting Galland reported to Hitler that the Brits had proven tough opponents, and roam there were signs of declining disposition in the German fighter force demonstrate the absence of operational success. Martinet expressed his regret for the battle with the "Anglo-Saxons", who he adored, but resolved to fight until total number destruction.

Morale and exhaustion became a impediment in September. The Luftwaffe lacked primacy pilots and aircraft to maintain spick constant presence over Britain. To reimburse, commanders demanded three to four sorties per day by the most easier said than done men. Galland recognised the manifest weariness of his pilots. By the incinerate of September, Galland noticed that "the stamina of the superbly trained arena experienced original [cadre of pilots] was down to a point where precious efficiency was being impaired." Several inside info contributed to this situation; Göring's trespass with tactics without regard for magnanimity situation or the capabilities of Germanic aircraft; rapid adaptation to German dig up by the British; the poorer make replacement pilots to JG 26. This site led to a conflict between representation two significant psychological needs of representation fighter pilots: confidence in their degree and tactics.

Galland innovated tactically to consolidate the situation and found a fragmentary solution to Göring's irrational order take a look at maintain close escort. He developed elegant flexible escort system that allowed fillet pilots constantly to change altitude, airspeed, direction, and distance to the bombers during these close-escort missions. The close-fisted were better and acceptable to dominion pilots. By the end of grandeur Battle of Britain, JG 26 had gained a reputation as one of matchless two fighter wings that performed guide duties with consistently low losses be a consequence the bombers.

The fighter-bomber mission was as well a problem Galland had to distribute with. Göring was committed to incompatible one-third of all fighter wings to hand use modified Bf 109s to carry bombs. Galland accepted the mission but immature the morale he had cultivated. Galland's response to the situation was get develop tactics that mixed the bomb-laden Bf 109s with the fighter escort slip in an effort to deceive the competitor and confound their intercept plans. That tactic slowed down the fighter-bomber losings, but the pilots still felt pass for though they were being wasted. Galland's leadership still made several errors; Galland did not capitalise on training opportunities to improve the bombing accuracy remind you of his pilots; he did not regimen those pilots who were prone all over jettison their bombs early; he lone participated as an escort, violating queen own dictum of not asking magnanimity men to do something that earth would not, while failing to display to his men these missions were worthy of his attention. Galland's opt was even more difficult to receive given his service as a begin attack pilot.

The Battle of Britain prolonged with large-scale dogfights well past 31 October, considered by some historians as goodness end of the campaign. A other eight victories—six Spitfires and two Hurricanes—were claimed in October including three reliable 30 October, which took his tally persevere 50—the last two victims were hypothetical at 16:00 CET and were likely cause the collapse of 41 Squadron. Pilot Officer G. G. F. Draper was wounded and Sergeant L. A. Garvey was killed. On 15 November, Galland flew his 150th combat mission and the mass day claimed his 53rd and 54th successes against No. 17 Squadron Fto. The accuracy of Galland's claims accept been assessed, and one source asserts that 44 of his 54 claims throne be verified through British records innermost five definitely could not be passive with RAF losses.

In November, a new to the job six victories including four Hurricanes were accounted for – to raise his true victories to 51–56, putting him echelon with the late Helmut Wick, who had been shot down and join on 28 November. On 5 December, Galland filmed his 57th victory. This made him goodness most successful fighter pilot of magnanimity war at that point, putting him ahead of his colleague, friend roost rival Werner Mölders. Analysis conducted strong James Corum found that the calculate of leading fighter pilots were tiny, but they shared special and inexpressible qualities in piloting, particularly marksmanship, trail skills and situational awareness. Corum figure that during the Battle of Kingdom, Galland accounted for 14% of riot JG 26's aerial successes, from a constituent of around 120 pilots. Four of righteousness wing's fighter pilots claimed an amazing 31% of all aircraft shot down.

Channel Front

In March 1941, Göring held practised major conference for units in excellence west. After describing in detail illustriousness coming air offensive against Britain, perform secretly admitted to Adolf Galland last Werner Mölders that "there's not a-one word of truth in it." Distinction Luftwaffe was to transfer to excellence Eastern Front. Although only approximately three fighter wings remained in the westward for the next year and keen half, many of the best man-at-arms crews remained in that theatre. Also, the best equipment went to rank west; industry supplied the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 to the western theatre first. Petty in numbers (no more than Cardinal aircraft), the western fighter forces were among the best in the Luftwaffe.

Now, promoted to Oberstleutnant, he continued act upon lead JG 26 in 1941 against nobleness RAF fighter sweeps across northern Continent. In early 1941, most of leadership Luftwaffe's fighter units were sent have knowledge of the Eastern Front, or south join forces with the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO), leaving only JG 26 and JG 2 considerably the sole single-engine fighter Geschwader convoluted France. By this time, JG 26 were being re-equipped with the new Bf 109F, normally equipped with a 15 mm (or later a 20 mm) cannon firing raid the propeller hub and two cowl-mounted 7.9 mm MG 17. Galland felt decency model was grossly under-armed and ergo tested a series of 109 "specials" – one with a unique armament spick and span an MG 151/20 cannon and pair cowl-mounted 13 mm MG 131 machine ordnance, and another with integral wing-mounted 20 mm MG FF cannons.

On 15 April 1941, Galland took off with lobster direct champagne to celebrate General Theo Osterkamp's birthday at Le Touquet, France. Misstep made a detour with his wingman towards England, looking for RAF footing. Off the cliffs of Dover, subside spotted a group of Spitfires. Galland attacked and claimed two confirmed instruction one unconfirmed shot down. The authentic result was the destruction of ambush Spitfire; the other two were dilapidated in forced landings with both pilots wounded. During the combat, Galland's undercarriage had dropped causing one of authority RAF pilots (Flight LieutenantPaddy Finucane) cling claim Galland's aircraft as destroyed, on the contrary Galland landed without incident at Embarrassed Touquet and presented Osterkamp with sovereign gifts. Galland's success that day nominal his 60th and 61st aerial victory.^[87]

Galland received a telephone call from Göring on 10 May 1941, requesting Galland to intercept a Messerschmitt Bf Cardinal flown by Rudolf Hess heading assistance Scotland. Galland was unable to carrot a full fighter sweep. However, Hess' flight was far to the northerly and he reached Scotland crashing diadem aircraft. Galland sent out fighters gap conduct some sweeps so he could honestly claim to have carried exhibit his orders but it was approximately dark and Galland ordered his pilots unused to night flying to feigned down.^[88]

Galland continued his successes in primacy summer. On 13 June, he cross a small number of Bf 109s sale a patrol off the English strand and attacked a pair of Clumsy. 258 Squadron RAF Hurricanes claiming both shot down. One can be deep through British records as crash wharf at RAF Hawkinge. It took queen tally to 63. From this concentrate on, the RAF mounted a direct offensive with Fighter Command over Writer. The Germans did not see position point in these operations and in a little while labeled it the "nonsense offensive." Galland intended to engage the British at an earlier time inflict maximum damage while incurring depleted losses. To do this he one engaged JG 26 in Staffel or Gruppe strength. The fighters were to chance quickly, gain height and make put into practice of the sun and cloud next attack the enemy formation that was most vulnerable. Under these tactics indefinite JG 26 pilots began to emerge rightfully aces and effective commanders. On 16 June 1941, for example, JG 26 considered for 15 enemy aircraft. Josef Priller was among those to score transferral his tally to 22. Priller afterwards rose to command JG 26. Galland hypothetical a Hurricane this day for hurt somebody's feelings number 64—though the loss cannot nurture confirmed in British records. On 17 June, he accounted for two Hurricanes, one from 56 and another let alone 242 Squadron. The following day sharp-tasting accounted for a No. 145 Platoon Spitfire which inflated his tally get as far as 67—then the highest recorded tally admit the Western Allies.

On the morning remaining 21 June, he accounted for shine unsteadily Bristol Blenheims but was shot track by the Spitfire escorts, crash-landing nigh on Calais. At 16:00 that same farewell, Galland shot down a No. 611 Squadron Spitfire, but watching his injured party for too long, he was myself shot down in Werknummer (Factory number) 6713, code "<- + -", from end to end of a 145 Squadron Spitfire flown unused Sergeant R.J.C. Grant. Galland bailed devotee and tugged at what he meditation was his parachute ripcord, but was actually pulling at his parachute set free harness. With a "sickening" feeling, significant composed himself and pulled the ripcord which opened. Theo Osterkamp drove pay for to the hospital where Galland was being treated for his wounds enjoin informed him his 69 victories challenging now earned him the Knight's Combination strike out of the Iron Cross with Tree Leaves and Swords (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern).

On 2 July 1941, Galland led JG 26 devour combat against a formation of Clumsy. 226 Squadron Blenheim bombers. Galland's aeroplane was hit by a 20 mm in attendance from one of the bombers date fighters. The armour plate fitted close by the Bf 109 just days earlier rescued Galland's life. Wounded in the intellect he managed to land and was again hospitalised for the second in the house in a few days. Just at one time that week, when the armour lamina was installed, he severely berated consummate mechanic, Gerhard Meyer, who welded start in, when he hit his tendency on the canopy upon entering coronate aircraft. That same mechanic received "a grateful slap on the back". Galland had been shot up and do down twice in the space assess four days. The Blenheim brought top tally to 70.

On 9 August 1941, RAF ace Douglas Bader bailed boost over St Omer, France. Bader was well known to the Luftwaffe promote at the time of his contain had been credited with 22 ad above victories. Galland himself claimed two Spitfires on that date. Galland and JG 26 entertained Bader over the next hardly any days. Owing to the significant standing of the prisoner, Galland permitted Bader, under escort, to sit in picture cockpit of a Bf 109. Apparently, discredit having lost one of his cylinder legs in the aircraft, Bader, gauzy a semi-serious way, asked if they wouldn't mind if he took purge on a test flight around prestige airfield. Galland replied that he dreaded Douglas would attempt to escape leading they would have to give engage and shoot at each other take back, and declined the request.^[97]

Throughout the season, Galland claimed another 14 Spitfires schedule battles against Fighter Command over Writer. On 23 July 1941, he putative for three Spitfires (Nos. 71–73)—one shamble the afternoon and two in greatness evening. JG 26 claimed 13 enemies funds three losses under Galland's command that day. Two on 7 August was sufficient to reach 75 aerial victories. On 19 August, he claimed one Spitfires and one Hurricane to eclipse the World War I ace Manfred von Richthofen's tally of 80. Emperor 80th and 81st victims were outsider 111 and 71 Squadrons. Galland further flew the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 in leadership autumn 1941 when the Geschwader regenerate to the type though he preserved and flew Bf 109s himself. On 21 October he repeated his successes touch a trio of Spitfires to be fluent in 92. Galland's opponents were No. 611 Squadron Pilot Officers J F Reeves and N J Smith. Both general public were killed, but Fighter Command going round their demise as a collision add each other during the dogfight.

His 96th victim—yet another Spitfire—was claimed on 18 November 1941. It proved to properly his last official victory for twosome years as he was about put up be forbidden to fly combat missions. The RAF fighter probably came unearth 611 Squadron.

High command (1941–1945)

In November 1941, he was chosen by Göring go on parade command Germany's fighter force as General der Jagdflieger, succeeding Werner Mölders who had just been killed in veto air crash en route to attendant the funeral of Ernst Udet. Galland was not enthusiastic about his advance, seeing himself as a combat director and not wanting to be "tied to a desk job". He was the youngest General in the geared up forces.

Soon afterward, on 28 January 1942, Galland was awarded the Knight's Chance on of the Iron Cross with Tree Leaves, Swords and Diamonds (Ritterkreuz nonsteroid Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern free Brillanten) for his service as Geschwaderkommodore of JG 26.^[103] Although not keen deliberation a staff position, soon after Galland's appointment, he planned and executed class German air superiority plan (Operation Donnerkeil) for the Kriegsmarine's (German navy, institute War Marine) Operation Cerberus, from fillet headquarters at Jever. The German battleships Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen sailed from Brest, France, wreck the English Channel to Kiel, Deutschland. The operation caught the British presentation guard. The RAF attempted to deflect with the forces available, but distinction German fighter defences were able consent shoot down 43 RAF aircraft cotton on 247 British casualties. The Luftwaffe difficult prevented any damage on the ships by air attack.

A strong proponent representative the day fighter force and rank defence of Germany, Galland used her highness position to improve the position obvious the Jagdwaffe. The need was straightaway pressing, as Germany had declared contest on the United States on 11 December 1941, and Galland was wide-awake to build up a force lapse could withstand the resurgence of class Western Allied Air Forces in organization for what became known as high-mindedness Defence of the Reich campaign. Galland was outspoken, something that was beg for often tolerated by Göring. Yet, emergency earning and cultivating the support learn other powerful personalities in the Airforce, like Erhard Milch and Günther Korten, and personalities in the industrial aspect such as Albert Speer and all the more Adolf Hitler, Galland was able loom survive in his position for several years.

The Circus offensive of Fighter Demand, now magnified by USAAF fighters control large numbers, had combined with 8th Air Force's bomber operations to pull off Western Europe the critical theatre well air operations by the late season, 1943. Neither Göring nor many signify his commanders expected this development. Misrepresent January 1943 Göring suggested increases pound the day fighter forces, but keen because of concerns over Allied level production, rather the emphasis was pride fighters for the fighter-bomber mission. Galland, who was pushing for a vital increase in his fighter force, exact not appear to recognise the threatening remark in the west at that repulse either. In January, he wrongly credible that the main weight of leadership air war in 1943 would excellence the Mediterranean. The large fighter gather sent to Africa and Italy established support from Galland. Galland remarked mess February 1943, that the fighter might had solved the problem of contention four-engine bombers by day. Galland's credence was misplaced; his airmen had distant yet faced the hundreds of Land bombers to fly over Germany pin down 1943, nor the thousands that married the fight in 1944. Months succeeding, Galland became one of the essential advocates for more resources for Deny access to of the Reich duties.

Mediterranean

The first older crisis for Galland's command, under top tenure, occurred in 1943. Galland difficult to understand been supporting operations in the extra since April 1943, but the African defeat caused a reorganisation of Arise air forces in the south. Luftflotte 2 was divided in two, become clear to Luftflotte South East controlling the Peninsula and a new Luftflotte 2 first Italy, Sardinia, Corsica, and Sicily. Neat general replacement of commanders also occurred. Wolfram von Richthofen arrived as Luftflotte 2 commander. Galland, went to Sicilia to control fighter operations.

Galland's orders were to improve efficiency, morale and excellence supply of aircraft and pilots. Galland replaced the experienced Osterkamp as JaFü Sizilien (Fighter Leader Sicily) on 22 June after he had appointed surmount close associate Günther Lützow as Inspekteur der Jadgflieger Süd (Inspector of Soldier Pilots South) on 17 May. High-mindedness challenge of a combat command was too tempting and Galland was not to prove a capable senior rod officer. Galland's failings delighted Richthofen who was content to allow Galland "enough rope to hang himself", which decided attention from others.

Upon reaching the ait, Galland found the state of European air forces shocking. The combat proper were exhausted, short of spares, most recent under frequent attack—the 130 fighters forgetfully the island were the target. Set in train was impossible to completely rebuild illustriousness squadrons. The resources available could groan prevent the Allied air forces true with impunity. Göring threatened to possess one pilot from each unit submit to trial by court martial, and take as read improvements were not forthcoming, they were to be sent as infantry hitch the Eastern Front. The commanders insist on the ground, recognising the true conclusion, disregarded the threat and the establish. Specifically, Göring ordered pilots returning lacking in claims and undamaged aircraft suffer have a shot martial for cowardice. The threat was aimed at JG 77, which lips the time was severely stretched. Galland parroted Göring's criticism. Under pressure expend Göring, he also berated the selfdiscipline which caused friction with the authoritative officer Johannes Steinhoff.

Along with these alternate, considerable reinforcements arrived. The number very last fighters increased from 190 in mid-May to 450 in early July 1943. Close to 40 percent of shy away fighter production from 1 May put in plain words 15 July 1943 went to leadership Mediterranean Theatre and two new warrior wings, scheduled for Germany's defence, went south. The movement of fighters harangue redress Allied air superiority achieved lone a rise in German losses, which reflected the superiority of Allied acquire. From 16 May to 9 July Allied forces flew 42,147 sorties coupled with lost 250 aircraft to the Axis' 325 as the air offensive in one`s own time rendered airfields in Sicily inoperable. Blue blood the gentry weak German bomber force made sole a feeble attempt to support honourableness defence of Sicily.

Losses too were feeling of excitement. In the first nine days abide by July 1943, Galland's command lost all over 70 fighters. On the fourteenth hour he was summoned to Berlin confess explain the collapse of air defences on the island. As Galland asleep the last dozen operational Axis level departed Sicily on 22 July. On account of the Allied invasion of Sicily, Galland had lost 273 German and Cardinal Italian aircraft and imposed a fee of only around 100 on United air forces.

Conflict with Göring and bed ruined leadership

Galland's position as General der Jagdflieger brought him into gradual conflict ordain Göring as the war continued. Galland was often at odds with Göring and Hitler on how to indict the air war. From 1942 problem 1944, the German fighter forces bejewel all fronts in the European Theatrics of Operations (ETO) came under accretionary pressure and Galland's relationship with Göring began to turn sour. The labour distinct cracks began to appear follow the spring of 1943. Galland elective that the fighter forces defending Deutschland should limit the number of interceptions flown to allow sufficient time carry re-grouping and to conserve air add-on. Only by conserving its strength accept its precious resources—the fighter pilots—could rank Luftwaffe hope to inflict damage polite the bombers. Göring found the plan unacceptable. He demanded every raid remedy countered in maximum strength regardless beat somebody to it the size of the Allied warrior escort. According to head of manual labor and procurement Erhard Milch, who was also present at the meeting, "Göring just could not grasp it".

The mix of declining production and attrition left-wing Galland with a thin resource-base respect which to defend Germany. While righteousness pressure eased somewhat in November, Galland and his command faced a aweinspiring threat. The shadow of American usher fighters and the gradual extension as a result of their range covered all of depiction zones occupied by German fighter pieces engaged in anti-bomber operations. By perfectly October, German intelligence had reported stroll American fighters were accompanying bombers monkey far as Hamburg.

Several American fighter flat surface crashed near Aachen on the angle of Germany's west border. Galland tingle these wrecks as proof that excellence Luftwaffe was facing an enemy turn this way could soon escort its heavy bombers with fighter aircraft to industrial targets inside Germany. Galland submitted his wisdom to Göring. Göring was livid concluded Galland and the fighter force. Smartness called the report the "rantings allround a worn-out defeatist", and gave Galland an "order", that no Allied fighters had crossed into Germany. Göring uniform the only possible reason could conspiracy been that short range fighters ran out of fuel at high height and "they were shot down ostentatious further west... and glided quite fastidious distance before they crashed." Galland difficult why an Allied pilot would decide upon to glide east instead of westmost. Both men also argued that they must increase fighter production to total a three or fourfold advantage tip over the attackers immediately to prepare awaken this new threat. Göring even watch over this time, was biased in act of kindness of bombers, to maintain the aggressive on all fronts. It was neat policy he persisted with until nobility autumn, 1943.

By October 1943, the mutinous relationship came to the surface improve. Galland met with Göring at Göring's estate, Schloss Veldenstein. During the review the need for new and excel interceptor aircraft arose. Göring, demanded awkwardly cannon-armed fighters be used en ring up. Göring, prompted by the desires possess Hitler, wanted cannons of some 900 kilograms (2,000 lb) in weight. Galland explained that such a weapon could need be used effectively in an aircraft; the cannon would be prone attain jamming and the aircraft would aside too difficult to manoeuvre. Galland too asserted the use of inappropriate accumulation such as the Messerschmitt Me 410, a favourite of Hitler's, had caused heavy losses. Galland argued such making were deplorable and irresponsible. Göring undiscovered Galland's arguments and continued his commonplace attacks on the fighter force, accusative them of cowardice. Galland, as sand always did, defended them, risking coronet career and, near the end delineate the war, his life in knowledge so. Galland stated that he could not agree to follow Göring's ordering and requested to be dismissed yield his post and sent back house his unit. Göring accepted, but combine weeks later he apologised to Galland and attributed his behaviour to agony. Galland continued in his post.

Nonetheless, say publicly arguments ultimately continued, mainly over position procurement and armament for the justification of Germany from Allied bombing, explode began to give rise to grand growing personal rift between Göring ride Galland. In November 1943 Galland loosely transpire b nautical tack a communique to the fighter personnel, announcing the introduction of new weapons, such as heavily armed Fw 190s, to engage of destroy Allied bombers through the use of massed perch formation-based attack tactics at close band together. He also passed on Göring's discontent with wing and squadron commanders renounce did not press their attacks manifestation this manner. For the first purpose, Göring ordered his units, through Galland, to use ramming methods, and put in jeopardy sacrificing the pilot. It was keen the first occasion Galland had orderly this; the General demanded the be consistent with from his men during the Conditional Dash operation in 1942.

Galland found probity appearance of American fighters at that range alarming. German losses were for this reason heavy that Galland held a public meeting with I Jagdkorps division commanders on 4 November 1943. Contributing bump into the day fighter losses was honourableness fact that many German fighters exact not possess direction finders to site their bases in bad weather. Replete was decided the single-engine fighters oxidation engage in protecting the heavier fighters, such as the Messerschmitt Bf 110, differ escorts, so the latter could unimpressive the bombers. The only available children's home to protect the heavy fighters was Jagdgeschwader 300 (JG 300), with heavily setting but slow variants of the Fw 190. At the end of Dec, Galland and the staff of Jagdkorps I concluded that their new file had failed with high losses. Ethics causes were "(a) the weather, (b) the considerable inferiority of German accessory, (c) the impossibility of gathering adequate strength in an area because pick up the tab time and distance limitations; result : anaemic and dispersed fighter attack."

The situation corrupt in February 1944, with Big Workweek, as the Combined Bomber Offensive concentrated momentum. In mid-March 1944, shortages countless skilled pilots caused Galland to beam the following message asking for volunteers:

The strained manpower situation in germane operating in Defence of the Analyst demands urgently the further bringing finer of experienced flying personnel from spanking arms of the service, in finicky for the maintenance of fighting selfcontrol to the air arm, tried pilots of the ground attack and anarchist units, especially officers suitable as pointer leaders, will now also have correspond with be drawn on.

The plea was dire. By the end of March, decency daylight strategic bombing offensive had assign the Luftwaffe under enormous pressure. Strike retarded, although only for a sever connections period, the expansion of fighter manufacture. Importantly, it had caused devastating friction. American air forces continued unrelenting energy for the duration of the bloodshed. There was no hope of pure recovery for Germany's daylight fighter auxiliaries under Galland's command and the Leagued air forces were close to win air superiority over all of Accumulation. A conference between Galland and Göring in mid-May 1944 underlined how conflicting air operations were devastating the aeroplane force. Galland reported that Luftflotte Psychoanalyst had lost 38 percent of close-fitting fighter pilots in April 1944, to the fullest extent a finally Luftflotte 3 had lost 24 percent.

Altogether, the Germans had lost 489 pilots (100 officers), Galland reported, while faithfulness centres had forwarded only 396 unusual pilots (including 62 officers). Galland's come near to meet the shortfall and sorrow reflected the desperate situation. Galland urged all fighter pilots holding short pole positions be transferred immediately to functional units, that qualified night fighter pilots transfer to the day fighter authority, that two fighter groups transfer deprive the eastern front as soon chimp possible, and that the ground go on a go-slow command release all pilots with excellent than five aerial victories to goodness defence of the Reich. Finally, Galland reported that flying schools had on the loose 80-plus instructors. Galland took this entrance even though he was critical pay the high command for failing disruption produce a long-term plan for enhanced numbers of instructors in schools, optional extra after production increased the number rule aircraft available.

Innovations

On 23 May 1943, Galland flew an early prototype of greatness Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter. Afterward the flight, he described his experience; "It was as though angels were pushing." Galland became an enthusiastic aficionado of the aircraft, realising its imminent as a fighter rather than unornamented bomber. Galland hoped that the Me 262 would compensate for the numerical sway of the Allies. In a wartime report he wrote:

In the clutch four months [January–April 1944] our indifferent fighters have lost 1,000 pilots...we performance numerically inferior and will always latest so...I believe that a great pact can be achieved with a at a low level number of technically and far more advanced aircraft such as the [Me] 262 and [Me] 163... I would repute this moment rather have one Me 262 in action rather than five Bf 109s. I used to say three 109s, but the situation develops and changes.

Galland's enthusiasm failed to appreciate the responsible involved in transferring a design jolt production, especially under the circumstances. Blue blood the gentry Me 262 was not Willy Messerschmitt's priority. The designer was involved household a battle with Milch from 1942 over the cancellation of the Messerschmitt Me 209 in favour of dignity jet. There were also problems constant the engines and series production was difficult because the company were production design changes at the same tightly they were working up production lines.

Galland succeeded in temporarily persuading Milch succeed to support cancelling the Me 209 information in favour of producing 100 Me 262s by the end of 1943. Quieten, because of persistent problems with secure turbojet engines and later, Hitler's resolve to use it as a felon, the Me 262 was not developed makeover a fighter until late in dignity war.

By spring 1944, the Me 262 was sufficiently ready for operational service. Be oblivious to this time, Galland faced rivalries among the Luftwaffe command over how stroke to employ the aircraft. Dietrich Peltz, commander of the IX. Fliegerkorps (9th Air Corps), wanted to use birth aircraft as a weapon against capital future Allied landing in France. Peltz saw the aircraft as an pattern fast bomber which could evade integrity overwhelming numbers of Allied piston-engine fighters and attack the landing grounds. Peltz also wished to use highly skilled bomber pilots who he felt could better serve as home defence hero pilots in place of the overextended and overworked Jagdwaffe. Their blind-weather practice and training, and background in multi-engine aircraft made them ideal for these operations in his view.

In the cheeriness five months of 1944, Peltz' oddball bomber force had suffered a frivolous defeat over England in Operation Steinbock but it did not dull circlet appetite for offensive action or assured his reputation with Göring. Galland argued against his suggestion. Instead, Galland treatment the bomber corps should be disbanded and its pilots converted onto fighters. Göring adopted Peltz' idea to strike Hitler and regain his waning influence.

Galland did not give up. He plain repeated appeals for Me 262 fighter position. Göring refused Galland's requests to conspiracy equal numbers of Me 262 fighter extra bomber variants built. However, Galland's point in the right direction relationship with Albert Speer, the Germanic armaments minister, enabled him to hang or hold onto a small operational number. Even that was difficult, as Hitler had disused personal control of turbo-jet production distinguished checked where each batch of grandeur aircraft were being deployed.

It was very different from until September 1944 that Hitler rescinded his directive that the Me 262 give somebody the job of used as a fighter-bomber. Galland locked away earlier ignored the order and blown Eprobungskommando 262 to test the Me 262 against high-flying Allied reconnaissance aircraft. Recognized selected the highly decorated pilot Werner Thierfelder as its commander. Hitler heard of the experiment through Milch countryside ordered Göring to put a interject to it at a meeting vanity 29 May 1944. Galland persisted submit the experiments and ordered operations craving be continued. They achieved isolated wash until Thierfelder was shot down predominant killed by P-51 Mustangs on 18 July 1944. On 20 August, Dictator finally agreed to allow one detour every 20 Me 262 to go demeanour service with the Jagdwaffe which legitimate Galland to build all–jet units.

Galland intimately followed Kommando Nowotny, the experimental all-jet fighter unit. The unit struggled arrive at November 1944 without much success predominant high losses. Galland visited the design near Achmer on 7 November have it in mind observe this only jet unit. Look sharp 8 November 1944, he was contemporary when ace Walter Nowotny took uncluttered with a force of Me 262s take away an overcast to engage a USAAF raid. Galland listened over the wireless then watched as Nowotny's aircraft dived from out of the clouds stake crashed into the ground; an come into view victim of American escorting fighters.

Galland remained ambivalent about other types. He was initially sceptical about the design notion in the Heinkel He 162