The Illustrated Handbook of Flak

The last line of defense--the men, weapons, and fortifications of the German anti-aircraft teams

During World War II, as the Allies sent thousands of aircraft to attack the German homeland, it was the flak teams that stood as the last line of defense. This handbook covers all aspects of German antiaircraft artillery: its development from the first antiballoon artillery in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 to the sophisticated ground-to-air rockets in use by 1945; the administrative, strategical, and tactical organizations involved; and the variety of weapons used. It details the uniforms worn by the men including flags, badges, and medals; equipment used such as searchlights, range finders, and radar; and mobile flak emplacements and permanent fortifications. The services involved are also described, including the police, fire brigades, paramilitary auxiliaries, and the German Red Cross. With more than 300 illustrations created by the author, this is an outstanding reference work, providing new insight into the anti-aircraft teams who fought to hold back the overwhelming might of the Allied bombers during World War II.