An illustrated exploration of the development, technology and operations of Wilde Sau fighters in the night skies over Germany during the Defence of the Reich.

In July 1943, the Nachtjagdverband’s defence of Germany from the RAF’s increasingly effective night bombing campaign was nearly brought to a standstill. ‘Window’ – strips of paper with aluminium foil covering one side – had been introduced, dropped by bombers to jam German radar. Fortunately for the Luftwaffe, the Wilde Sau concept of defending point targets using single-engined fighters was already in existence, and would become the cornerstone of the night defence of Germany during the summer and autumn of 1943.

In this new study, Martin Streetly details the origins, tactics and implementation of Wilde Sau, exploring its successes and failures through the experiences of pilots who flew Bf 109s, Fw 190s and Me 262s into combat against Lancaster and Halifax heavy bombers. First-hand accounts of Wilde Sau missions are brought to life through archival photographs and newly commissioned artworks of some of the most iconic German fighters of World War 2.