Stormbird
by Hermann Buchner

Speciality Press

Reviewed by Mick Evans

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Hermann Buchner was one of the Luftwaffe’s highest scoring Messerschmitt Me 262 aces.  Bomber pilots who become fighter pilots are rare, but this man was one who of the exceptions.  Buchner was an NCO pilot and Knights Cross holder who gives a riveting account of his career starting with his training with the pre war Austrian Air Force, instructing with the Luftwaffe, and the terrifying ground attack operations on the Eastern Front trying to stop the Russian advance westward.  He was shot down twice but he targeted Il2s, Yak 9s, and a Boston bomber which all fell victim to his eagle eye.  Later in the war he was tasked with opposing the allied daylight bombing raids that were penetrating deep into German territory often taking off whilst being shield by the advancing Russian army.  Throughout the book he paints a picture of a man surviving against incredible odds, Buchner also became one of the elite with JG7 and learnt that the important thing with the Me262 was to land near a convenient foxhole.

The publication contains over 140 photographs with the majority being from Hermann Buchner’s personal collection.

Before I wrote this review I wanted to completely read the biography.  Like other biographies that I have read about Adolf Galland and Eric Hartmann, I was impressed by the professionalism and pride displayed by these pilots.  I found it difficult to put this book down as the story is captivating.  The 272 pages took me less than a week to read. 

The trials and tribulations of a pilot experiencing the stress and pressure of warfare and in particular in the desperate defence of their homeland are clearly outlined by Buchner. 

The final part of the book is dedicated to scans of the various certificates outlining his awards and decorations. 

I would highly recommend this book to any readers interested in aerial warfare and the personal accounts and experiences of the men who fought and endured.

Thanks to Speciality Press for the review sample