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I Flew for the Führer

The Memoirs of a Luftwaffe Fighter Pilot

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I Flew for the Führer

By: Heinz Knoke, Richard Overy - introduction
Narrated by: P.J. Ochlan
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About this listen

Heinz Knoke was one of the outstanding German fighter pilots of the Second World War. This vivid firsthand record of his experiences has become a classic among aviation memoirs and is a fascinating counterbalance to the numerous accounts written by Allied pilots.

Knoke joined the Luftwaffe on the outbreak of war, and eventually became commanding officer of a fighter wing. An outstandingly brave and skillful fighter, he logged over 2,000 flights and shot down 52 enemy aircraft. He had flown over 400 operational missions before being wounded in an astonishing "last stand" toward the end of the war. He was awarded the Knight's Cross for his achievements. In a book that reveals his intense patriotism and discipline, he describes being brought up in the strict Prussian tradition, the rise of the Nazi regime, and his own wartime career set against a fascinating study of everyday life in the Luftwaffe. He also reveals the high morale of the force until its disintegration. His memoirs are both a valuable contribution to aviation literature and a moving human story.

©1952 Heinz Knoke; Afterword copyright 1991 by Heinz Knoke; Introduction copyright 2012 by Richard Overy (P)2021 Tantor
Air Forces Military World War II War Thought-Provoking Transportation Aviation German Military
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What listeners say about I Flew for the Führer

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Remarkable story

Almost unbelievable account of a life of such bravery & tenacity to keep on going in the face of adversity at such a young age. Jumping out of a plane after being shot to pieces 5 times & surviving each time ..seriously!!
An insight I had not expected & offered up in a very down to earth matter of fact manner which I really enjoyed.

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it's a book

a brilliant personal story and, for once, nice to hear from the German point of view and how they viewed WW2.

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Very good

Very interesting to hear about the experiences of a German pilot during WW2.
I’ve read accounts from allied pilots and crew so knew a bit about some of the German tactics and bravery of the German pilots (and all pilots and crew of all ‘sides’) and this adds to what I’ve read and knew.

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Another Brilliant WW2 book.

Very interesting thoughts at the end of this book from it's, author.

How any indavidual could survive and continue to fight through so much adversity is quite incredible!

Well worth listening too and gives a different look through the eyes of the foe. Or vanquished, depending on the side your on.

One things for sure. We never learn.

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Great story, hilarious narration.

This IS a great story but.....
there was no need for a comedy German accent! Shades of Allo Allo!
Also it's a book of it's "time" and you must remember he's a fairly unrepentant Nazi. That said it's a great story of a Luftwaffe's pilot's life.

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a brilliant alternative view of the WW2 air fight

having read numerous WWII RAF Autobigraphies, I wanted the alternative view. Whilst some bits were uncomfortable it is a brilliantly written and narrated book. if you've read WWII RAF books - read this next

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Makes you realise we are all human

If you like learning about WW2 from all sides then read this book immediately. Too few books from a German perspective are available and this one is as good as any I’ve read

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Superb

To hear a genuine fighter ace of the Luftwaffe tell his story is fascinating. One wonders how he survived!

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A view from the other side.

Refreshing to hear from a German pilot for a change. The honor and respect between airman is mentioned on numerous occasions.

Brave young men whichever side they flew for.

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Gripping

Be patient with it. The early years chapters, the first two or so are not as good as the rest. In all - a brilliant listen.

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