WW2 Nazi German 1942 Der Adler Luftwaffe Newspaper Magazine No. 21 – Hermann Graf Knight’s Cross

Original wartime German Der Adler illustrated Luftwaffe magazine, Heft 21, Berlin, 13 October 1942. The cover states that the magazine was issued with the cooperation of the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (Reich Air Ministry) and originally sold for 20 Pfennig. Bibliographic listings confirm this exact issue was published in Berlin by August Scherl in 1942. ZVAB (DE)

The outstanding feature is the dramatic cover devoted to Luftwaffe fighter ace Hermann Graf, captioned “Der Fünfte mit Brillanten” (“The Fifth with Diamonds”). The cover text states that Graf had achieved more than 200 aerial victories and had received the Diamonds to the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.

Inside are numerous wartime photographs, illustrated articles and combat reports concerning the Luftwaffe and the Eastern Front. Particularly strong content in this issue includes:

• “Inferno Stalingrad” – extensive multi-page photographic coverage of the fighting around Stalingrad, showing Luftwaffe aircraft, bombing, destroyed buildings, German troops moving through ruins and aerial views of the devastated city.
• “Bazi fliegt seinen Sechshundertsten” – illustrated feature on Luftwaffe war correspondent/aircrew member Hans Hempe and his 600th operational flight, including aircraft and combat photography.
• “Wie sie das Ritterkreuz erwarben” – “How They Earned the Knight’s Cross,” with portraits and accounts of decorated Luftwaffe personnel. Men pictured include Hauptmann Köhnke, Oberleutnant Möhle, Oberleutnant Henze, Oberleutnant Schoenert, Oberleutnant v. Ballasko, Oberleutnant Hinrichs, Oberleutnant Schmitz, Leutnant Hanne, Leutnant Klaiber, Leutnant Menapace, Leutnant Stahlschmidt and Oberfeldwebel Stumpf.
• “Blaues Hakenkreuz auf weißem Feld” – illustrated article concerning the Finnish Air Force, written by war correspondent Markus Joachim Tidick.
• Period Luftwaffe photographs showing aircraft, pilots, ground crews, combat damage and destroyed Soviet positions.
• Original wartime advertisements, crossword/puzzle section and cartoons.

The back page contains the original publication information identifying Dr. Georg Böse as Hauptschriftleiter and August Scherl Nachfolger, Berlin SW68 as printer/publisher. A reference for the complete 1942 run likewise identifies Georg Böse as chief editor and August Scherl as publisher. Film Hauer

Condition

Original 1942 wartime issue in well-used condition. Considerable age toning, handling wear, folds/creases, edge tears and chipping are present. Several areas have old tape repairs/reinforcement, particularly along edges and folds. Cover remains attached and highly displayable, and the interior retains numerous excellent wartime photographs. Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition.

Despite the wear, this is a particularly interesting issue because it combines a Hermann Graf cover, Stalingrad combat coverage, Knight’s Cross recipients, Luftwaffe combat photography and Finnish Air Force material in one magazine.

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