I can only agree with the first review. The real danger was from the partly developed engine. The series of accidents revealed in this book makes clear just how dangerous it was.

Exploded on take-off, overcome by fumes in the cockpit, crashed on landing and knocked unconscious and dissolved by leaking rocket fuel, etc. It is frightening just to read about it.

Combat technique was in the future, surviving the development was precarious. If you only ever read one Luftwaffe book, this would be a good choice.

Further reading, since I wrote this initially, reveals that this is not an entirely chronologically accurate story. Rather it is a synthesis of experiences of the author, and others. In this regard it has a common thread with (say) Roald Dahl's biographical works, which prioritise the story above the literal truth. However, my initial summary still stands.

Even more reading reveals a telling phrase in Hanna Reitsch: Flying for the Fatherland, where Hannah Reitsch is described as referring to Mano Ziegler as a "journalist"

Paul ( )

The story of the test squadron of the Me163, as told by one of test pilots. It is a personal story, so don't expect much technical or operational details. On the other hand it is a very good read. It shows just how dangerous flying the Me163 was. ( )