The First and the Last

Adolf Galland trained as a pilot in the 1930s in antiquated aircraft and gliders. Adolf Galland, went on to become a household name during the early part of Second World War and the Battle of Britain. During the Battle of Britain, Galland commanded one of the leading Western Front Jagdgeschwaderen, JG26 'Schlageter'. Later, on the death of his friend Werner Molders, he was appointed 'Inspector of Fighters' and became the youngest Luftwaffe general. Never an adherent of the Nazi Party, Galland's forthright approach soon earned the enmity of the German High Command and, in particular, the wrath of Hermann Goring. Towards the end of the war Adolf Galland was put in charge of the Luftwaffe's 'Defence of the Reich' operations during which time he flew the new jet aircraft, the Me262.