HITLER'S WARRIOR

Air Classics, Jan 2005 by Hulett, George

HITLER'S WARRIOR

Long-lived bomber fought until the end of the war

During the Battle of Britain, and in the dark and dangerous period which followed, many people in the British Isles would have been all too aware of the shape and sound of the twin-engined Heinkel He 111 bomber, with its distinctive glazed nose. Though in front-line service in large numbers during this time, the bomber was already becoming obsolete.

In all its many variants, about 7000 He 111s were produced, The type first flew in 1935 hut did not enter Luftwaffe service until 1937, though a civilian transport version had been in service with Lufthansa since the previous year.

The He 111 first saw active service during the Spanish Civil War. The aircraft was used to equip Kampfgruppe 88, the bomber component of Legion Kondor, Hitler's aerial assistance to the Spanish fascists. Its first operational sorties took the form of raids against Republican-held airfields in March 1937.

Throughout the course of WWII, the He 111 served in a wide variety of roles. Though mainly used as a bomber, it also undertook reconnaissance, torpedo bombing, glider towing, and transport roles. Heinkel He 111 (Specialty Press 800-895-4585, $24.95) is a compact look at one of Germany's most famous warplanes.