Immelmann
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Author: Frantz Immelmann
Publisher: Casemate
ISBN: 978-1-932033-98-4
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 256
When one thinks of First World War aviators, several names gravitate to the top of the list. Aside from the obvious German on that list, other Teutonic aviators would include Oswald Boelcke and Max Immelmann. The latter, in fact, was a very skilled aviator whose techniques are still taught to fighter pilots today. Initially flying observation aircraft, Immelmann soon found his way into the early German fighter aircraft, flying the Fokker Eindecker until his death in 1916.
This book is a detailed biography written by Max Immelmann's brother, Frantz. The close relationship between the subject and author, coupled with the date of writing (originally published in 1934) provides a much more detailed and accurate writing that one might otherwise expect. The last printing of this text was almost twenty years ago, so this new edition by Casemate is a very welcome one indeed.
The book covers Max Immelmann's life entirely, from his birth in 1890 through his education and military service, finally ending in the skies over Europe in 1916. Most of the text focuses on his military service during the First World War, with careful attention to Immelmann's flying skills and style. This biography puts a very human face on a character that often is obscured by his achievements, which makes for a great read.
While the majority of the book is Frantz Immelmann's text, there is a center section of photographs and a useful Appendix by noted historian Norman Franks. The photo section provides a handful of period photos showing some of Immelmann's victories, squadron mates, and locations. The Appendix provides a detailed listing of all of Immelmann's victories, including date and type of aircraft.
For those interested in the men in the machines of the First World War, this is almost an essential read. This new reprint will bring the experience of WWI aviation to a whole new audience. My thanks to Casemate for the review copy.