Me-262 "Schwalbe"

By the late thirties the technology to create a pistonless aircraft had matured and development had begun by the three major powers: Britain, US, and Germany. The design for a jet engine was first proposed by an RAF officer named Whittle. However, Germany would win the race to put a jet fighter on operational status. Against the advice of front line officers, Hitler demanded it be developed into a fighter-bomber (störmvogel or assault bird) to allow him to go on the offensive against Britain. At this late stage in the war any hope of being able to stage a decisive offensive assault on England was pointless. The US and British bomber commands had been attacking deeper and deeper into German territory, delivering many tons of bombs on German targets. British industrial might was supplanted by the US's, which was out of reach by the Luftwaffe. Germany was against the ropes and the leadership refused to use the Swallow (die Schwalbe), as it was known, to stop the attacks.

Adolf Galland, Willi Messerschmitt and Albert Speer knew how best to deploy the Me-262 and had conspired to convince Göring and Hitler to develop it as a fighter. Göring, who had fallen from grace, tried to appease the Föhrer, and would not allow the 262 to be used in that role. Galland and company were not to be deterred and did what they could to ensure they could use the new jet as a fighter when the time was right. Galland felt the war was effectively lost. But if the Me-262 could be deployed in large enough numbers the bomber attacks could be halted and Germany could sue for a peace more favorable than unconditional surrender.

In spite of the objections, JG 7 was outfitted with the Me-262 and allowed to operate as a fighter unit. When Galland was fired from his post as the General of the fighters he was allowed to form a jet fighter unit. Formally designated Jagdverband 44 (Verband Galland informally), it was formed in February of 1944 and flew its first operational sortie in March of 1945 and its last in April 1945. Galland filled the ranks with many wearers of the Knight's cross (Ritterkreuztröger), and his unit became known, in some circles, as the Experts (die Experten).

The Verband was not very affective due to the shortage of fuel, parts and aircraft and was transferred to VI./JG 7 when the war ended.

Artist unknown

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