Translations from Captured German Documents
The following German documents were translated by the Air Historical Branch after the Second World War. They vividly record the German perspective on wartime air operations, the progressive decline of the Luftwaffe, and Allied dominance of the air dimension in the later wartime years. Originally archived numerically, the scanned translations have now been grouped as logically as possible according to theatre campaign, chronology or theme. The original AHB translation numbers are shown in brackets.
Mainland Europe Campaigns of 1939-1941
A comparative review of the German and Allied Air Forces immediately prior to the outbreak of war (29)
Prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 1st July 1944.
Proposal for the conduct of air warfare against Britain (30)
Made by General Schmid of the German Air Force Operations Staff (Intelligence) on 22nd November 1939.
The course of the air war over Central and Western Europe 1939-41 (10)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung).
The Luftwaffe in Poland (September 1939) (33)
A study produced by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 11th July 1944.
German bombing of Warsaw and Rotterdam (132)
The Battle for Narvik (103)
An account by Lt Col Dr Günther, based on war diaries of XXI Battle Group, Luftflotte 5, X Fliegerkorps and Supreme Command of the German Nay, and on reports by Major Haussels and Lt Cdr Erdmenger.
Anton Hoch – The air attack on Freiburg on 10th May 1940 (159)
From “Vierteljahrshefte für Zeitgeschichte”, Vol. 2, April 1956.
Operation Sea-Lion (Invasion of Britain) (21)
Translations of 12 Top-Secret directives for the above operation, signed by Hitler, Keitel and Jodl in July, August, September and October 1940.
Situation reports issued by Luftwaffe Führungsstab IC Part 1 30th June – 13th July 1940 (119)
Situation reports issued by Luftwaffe Führungsstab IC Part 2 14th July – 31st July 1940 (122)
Situation Reports issued by Luftwaffe Führungsstab IC Part 3 1st August – 15th August 1940 (123)
The Battle of Britain by General Adolf Galland (121)
The course of the air war against England (26)
Two studies prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 22nd November 1939 and 7th July 1944.
A Study of British air defences (59)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 21st September 1944.
Operation Marita, Balkans 1941 Part 1 (90)
Operation Marita, Balkans 1941 Part 2 (91)
Air Operations on the Russian front in 1941 (34)
A lecture delivered by Hauptmann Baltrusch at the G.A.F. Staff College on 25th March 1944.
Air Operations over the Reich, 1942-1945
Reports of physical damage resulting from Allied air attacks on Germany 1942 (163)
A survey of Anglo-American air operations against the Reich and Western Europe 1942-1944 (8)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 6th October 1944.
Reports of physical damage resulting from Allied air attacks on Germany 1943 (158)
The RAF Raid on the Moehne Dam, 16th/17th May 1943 (36)
Text of two German official reports on the raid and its effects.
A report on enemy air attacks on Rumanian and German centres of fuel production and German counter-measures, August 1943 – 6th Jun 1944 (77)
A study issued by the Operations Staff of OKW.
Anglo-American air attacks on German industrial targets in 1943-44 (62)
Extracted from Luftwaffe Intelligence Report dated 25th April 1944.
The long and short term effects of the enemy air war on centres of German war production (1943) (76)
A study issued by the German Economics Intelligence Branch dated 3rd April 1944.
Fighter Staff Conference 1944 (137)
Suggestions by the German Air Force Operations Staff for the regaining of German air supremacy (48)
Contained in a memorandum by General Koller dated 19th May 1944 and addressed to Goering, Milch and others.
The problems of German air defence in 1944 (22)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 5th November 1944.
Report on the effects of Allied air activity against the Ruhr (38)
Addressed to Field Marshal Keitel by Reichsminister Speer on 7th November 1944.
War Appreciation No 16 (96)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 10th November 1944.
Some effects of the Allied air offensive on German economic life (23)
Extracts from a study compiled by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 7th December 1944
Air attacks against the German rail systems during 1944 (125)
Reports of physical damage resulting from Allied air attacks on Germany 1944 (162)
Survey of the war situation (27)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 10th November 1944.
A forecast of air developments in 1945 (7)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 22nd September 1944.
War Appreciation No 17 (9)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 15th January 1945.
Reports of physical damage resulting from Allied air attacks on Germany 1945 (164)
Air Operations on the Western Front, 1942-1945
The Dieppe Raid 19th August 1942. Contemporary appreciations by Headquarters Luftflotte 3 (109)
German anti-invasion measures November 1943-July 1944 (67)
Extracts from the war diaries of the German 7th Army.
German air operations against Britain from January to March 1944 (46)
Report by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 16th June 1944.
Some aspects of the German fighter effort during the initial stages of the invasion of North-West Europe (19)
A survey dated 18th November 1944, written by Oberst Mettig of the German Air Historical Branch, and formerly Chief of Staff of Jagdkorps II during the period 25th March – 25 June 1944.
Situation reports by German Army commanders in Normandy 15th May – 11th October 1944 (73)
The Normandy invasion June 1944 (31)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 6th August 1944
Telephone log of the German 7th Army from 6th June to 30th June 1944 (70)
Air operations over the invasion front in June 1944 (32)
A report prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 27th August 1944.
Situation reports issued by Luftflotte 3 (France) June 1944 (126)
Situation reports issued by Luftflotte 3 (France) July 1944 (127)
Calendar of operations in North-West Europe July 1944 (84)
From a German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) document based on Luftflotte 3 records.
Situation report issued by Luftflotte 3 (France), August 1944 (86)
War Diary of Luftflotte 3 (Western Front), September 1944 (89)
The effects of Allied bombing raids on French targets (75)
Translated from French documents held by the Ministere de l’Intérieur, Paris.
The effects of Allied bombing raids on French targets (95)
Translated from French documents supplied by the Service Historique de l’Armee de l’Air, Versailles.
The Western Front 1st – 14th February 1945 (130)
Daily situation reports issued by OKL Operations Staff Ia.
The Western Front 15th – 28th February 1945 (131)
Daily situation reports issued by OKL Operations Staff.
Mediterranean Theatre (General)
The activities of Fliegerkorps X in the Mediterranean January – February 1941 (54)
Based on a report of a visit by a technical officer of the German Air Ministry dated 26th February 1941.
Axis operations in the Mediterranean 31st March – 5th April 1941 (113)
Situation reports issued by Luftwaffe Führungsstab IC.
Axis operations in the Mediterranean 5th April – 13th April 1941 (114)
Situation reports issued by Luftwaffe Führungsstab IC.
Axis operations in the Mediterranean 13th April – 20th April 1941 (115)
Situation reports issued by Luftwaffe Führungsstab IC.
Axis operations in the Mediterranean 20th April – 27th April 1941 (116)
Situation reports issued by Luftwaffe Führungsstab IC.
The Mediterranean Campaign (63)
Reports on Axis problems of supply and on German-Italian cooperation, May-August 1941.
The Mediterranean Campaign (65)
Review of the situation in the Central and South-Eastern Mediterranean for the period July 11 – August 31, 1941; issued by the German Liaison Staff with the Italian Air Force, dated 9th September 1941.
Appreciation of the air situation in the Mediterranean Theatre during the period 11/7 – 31/8/1941 (41)
A report issued by the German Liaison Staff with Italian Air Force Supreme Command.
German Air Force activities in the Mediterranean – tactics and lessons learned 1941-1943 (2)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 30th October 1944.
The course of the war in the Mediterranean theatre of operations 1st January – 13th May 1943 (72)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 29th July 1944.
Italian appreciations of Allied air tactics and strategy (61)
Issued by HQ A.A. Defence, Italy. November 1941 – June 1943.
Italian appreciation of Allied intentions in the Mediterranean and defence plans – August 1943 (52)
An extract from an Italian Air Ministry file dealing with Italo-German relations, dated 26th August 1943.
The War in the Mediterranean Part I by Field Marshal Kesselring (104)
Being a study written for U.S. Historical Division May 1948.
The War in the Mediterranean Part II by Field Marshal Kesselring (106)
Crete and Malta
The invasion of Crete (24)
A Report issued by Luftwaffe 4 dated 28th November 1941.
Axis operations on Crete 19th May – 3rd June 1941 (117)
Extracts from situation reports issued by Luftwaffe Führungsstab IC.
The air and naval bases in Malta June 1940 to October 1942 (43)
A report prepared by the Italian Air Staff dated 31st October 1942.
The plan for the invasion of Malta (47)
A study prepared by the Italian Air Ministry.
Memorandum on the Malta situation 10th May 1942 (57)
Issued by the Italian Air Staff.
Kesselring’s plan for the invasion of Malta (141)
North Africa and the Middle East before Alamein
High level reports and directives dealing with the North African campaign, 1941 (81)
The Far Eastern war and its bearing on Allied operations in the Middle East and other theatres of war (16)
A study prepared by the Foreign Armies (Western) Intelligence Department of the General Staff of the German Army, dated 22nd January 1942
The Middle East situation in 1942 (15)
(A) Possible developments in the Middle East in 1942, dated 16th January 1942.
(B) Survey of the British position in the Middle East, dated 26th June 1942.
Two studies prepared by the Foreign Armies (Western) Intelligence Department of the General Staff of the German Army.
War Diary of Panzer Army 21st January – 6th February 1942 (118)
Air operations of the 5th Squadra Aerea (North Africa) from 1st March 1942 to 20th July 1942 (74)
Translated from Italian Air Force records.
High level reports and directives dealing with the North African Campaign, 1942 (80)
War Diary of Panzer Army 24th April 1942 to 25th May 1942 (110)
War Diary of the German Africa Corps, June 1942 (88)
War Diary of the German Africa Corps, July 1942 (87)
War Diary of Panzer Army Africa 28th July – 23rd October 1942 (105)
North Africa and the Middle East from Alamein to Tunis
War Diary of the German Africa Corps 3rd August – 22nd November 1942 (101)
Air operations by the 5th Squadra Aerea (Italian Air Force Command in Africa) Between 20th October 1942 and 31 January 1943 (66)
Translated from the official war diaries.
The battle for Tunis November 1942-May 1943 (25)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 17th July 1944.
The Luftwaffe in the battle for Tunis. A strategical survey (5)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 17th October 1944.
A tactical appreciation of the air war in Tunisia (6)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 31st October 1944.
Sicily and Italy
The invasion of Sicily 1943 (93)
Final comments by Kesselring, written for U.S. Historical Division.
High level Luftwaffe policy in the Mediterranean May-June 1943 by General Deichmann (Luftwaffe) (94)
Air defence against the Allied landing in Sicily by Colonel Christ (Luftwaffe).
The German evacuation of Sicily by General Fried (Armoured Troops).
Being extracts from essays written for the U.S. Historical Division 1947-1948.
The Campaign in Italy Chapter VI (97)
A post-war study written by General von Victinghoff for U.S. Historical Division December 1947. Special appendix by General Schmalz.
The Campaign in Italy Chapter VII. The Army Group’s Version by General Westphal (98)
Being Studies written for U.S. Historical Division December 1947.
The Campaign in Italy Chapters XII – XIV (99)
The Fourteenth Army in action at Anzio-Nettuno up to 11th May 1944 by Major General Wolf Hauser and commentary on General Hauser’s account by General Von Mackensen.
Army Group’s comments by General Westphal.
The air situation in Spring 1944 by Colonel Christ.
Being Studies written for U.S. Historical Division December 1947.
The Campaign in Italy Special Subjects: The Supply Situation by Colonel Ernst Faehn rich (A.Q.M.G. C.-in-C. South West) and The Transport Situation by Colonel Klaus Stange (Movements Control. Italy) (100)
Being Studies written for U.S. Historical Division December 1947.
High level reports and directives dealing with the Italian campaign in 1944 (82)
Maritime Air Power
The operational use of the Luftwaffe in the war at sea 1939-43 (102)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated January 1944.
German air attacks on PQ convoys (60)
Extracts from war diaries of Luftflotte 5 dated May – September 1942.
The use of bomber units for reconnaissance (64)
Correspondence between Marinegruppenkommando Nord and Luftflotte 5, dated June 1943.
The effects of Allied air supremacy on German submarine warfare (42)
A memorandum by Admiral Doenitz dated 8th June 1943.
Fliegerfuehrer Atlantik and German anti-shipping operations (37)
A report addressed by General Kessler to General Jeschonnek (Chief of the General Staff of the Luftwaffe) on 5th September 1943.
Principles governing the conduct of operations by Fliegerfuehrer Atlantik and an appreciation of the types of aircraft available (120)
Issued by Headquarters Staff Fliegerfuehrer Atlantik on 3rd December 1943.
The role of the German Air Force in the Battle of the Atlantic (17)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 23rd March 1944.
The importance of aircraft carriers in sea warfare (20)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 27th March 1944.
The importance of long-range aerial reconnaissance in submarine warfare (35)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 8th April 1944.
Luftwaffe Losses
German Aircraft losses September 1939 – December 1940 (83)
German Aircraft losses January 1941 – December 1941 (92)
Luftwaffe losses in the Mediterranean 1st September – 31st December 1943 (150)
Luftwaffe losses – defence of the Reich (Luftwaffe Befehlshaber Mitte) 1st June – 31st August 1943 (157)
Luftwaffe losses in the area of Luftflotte Reich 1st September – 31st December 1943 (149)
Luftwaffe losses in the area of Luftflotte Reich January – April 1944 (138)
Luftwaffe losses in the area of Luftflotte Reich May 1944 (134)
Luftwaffe losses in the area of Luftflotte Reich June 1944 (139)
Luftwaffe losses in the area of Luftflotte Reich July – September 1944 (142)
Luftwaffe losses in the area of Luftflotte Reich October – November 1944 (143)
Luftwaffe losses on the Western Front (Luftflotte 3) 1st September – 31st December 1943 (148)
Luftwaffe losses on the Western Front (Luftflotte 3) 1st January – 30th April 1944 (135)
Luftwaffe losses on the Western Front (Luftflotte 3) May 1944 (133)
Luftwaffe losses on the Western Front (Luftflotte 3) June 1944 (136)
Luftwaffe losses on the Western Front (Luftflotte 3) 1st July – 31st August 1944 (144)
Luftwaffe losses on the Eastern Front 1st September – 31st December 1943 (152)
Luftwaffe losses in Western Norway (Luftflotte 5 West) 1st September – 31st December 1943.(151)
Luftwaffe losses in Norway (Luftwaffe 5 West) 1st July – 30th November 1944 (146)
Doctrine, Policy and Capability
German Air Force Policy During the 2nd World War – A Review by Oberst Bernd von Brauchitsch (153)
The location and strategic importance of Anglo-American bases in 1943 (3)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 30th October 1944.
Basic principles underlying the technique of air warfare, with illustrations from experiences between 1939 and 1944 (12)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 4th October 1944.
German Centimetric Wave Technology at the End of World War II by Professor Leo Brandt (160)
Text of a lecture given at a Radar Conference held at Frankfurt-am-Main 1953.
Development of the German ground attack arm and principles governing its operations up to the end of 1944 (14)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 1st December 1944.
The Douhet theory and its application to the present war (11)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 22nd November 1944.
The effect of air power (40)
As stated by the German war leaders, in extracts from original German documents and Allied interrogation reports.
The effects and results of the use of elements of the strategic Luftwaffe in direct support of the Army (1)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 24th December 1943
The future of German paratroop and airborne operations (18)
A report addressed to Goering by General Student (AOC Fliegerkorps XI, and later, (1945), in Command of all German Paratroops), dated 10th November 1942.
Luftwaffe strength and serviceability tables August 1938-April 1945 (107)
Compiled from the records of VI Abteilung Quartermaster General’s Department of the German Air Ministry.
A survey of German air operations 1939-1944 (28)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 21st September 1944.
Advantages and defects of European transport networks (railways, roads, and inland waterways), and their significance as internal lines of communications in wartime (5)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 30th October 1944.
The use of transport aircraft in the present war (69)
A study prepared by the German Air Historical Branch (8th Abteilung) dated 16th June 1944.
Fuehrer Conferences
Index to Fuehrer Conferences (58)
Goering Directives and Conferences
Battle of Britain Directives by Goering (39)
Reports of Conferences held by Reichsmarschall Goering on 6th March and 16th May 1942 (79)
Minutes of a Conference held in Goring’s Special Train in Rome on 30th November 1942 (13)
Report of a Conference held by Reichsmarschall Goering on 22nd February 1943 (85)
Extract from Report of the Goering Conference on Aircraft Production Programme 23rd May 1944 (124)
Note: intentionally blank pages not published to reduce file size.
