Review

The Easter Bunnies: Long-Distance Reconnaissance by the German Luftwaffe over Poland, France, England and the Atlantic 1938-1945 By Wendy von Well and Roman Gastager

Don't be put off by the title: at Easter, 1940, 5 Flieger, among them Roman Gastager, arrived at Hanau am Main to report to 3rd Staffel Fernaufklarungsgruppe 123. In keeping with the time of year, they were christened the "Easter Bunnies". By May, 1945, Gastager, then an Oberfeldwebel, would be the only survivor. This book is the fascinating story of his war experiences.

This is not a pilot's story: Gastager was a mechanic/gunner on almost every type of German reconnaissance aircraft from the Do 17P to the JU 188. On 30 June 1940, he became the first German soldier to set foot on British soil when his aircraft landed on the Channel Island of Guernsey. His account is one of long unescorted flights over water in aircraft which frequently suffered from sabotaged engines, opposed by an enemy who knew his plans and routes in advance. On Christmas Eve, 1943, the unit was wiped out in one operation: Gastager and his crew survived because there was no serviceable aircraft for them to fly.

There were exceptional individuals in every combatant force in World War II; Roman Gastager was clearly one of them. He was awarded every German decoration for valor save the Ritterkreuz, which he was to receive at war's end. After reading this book, I believe you will conclude that Gastager earned every one.

Highly Recommended

Paperback: 230 pages

Publisher: Trafford Publishing

Language: English

ISBN: 1412095247

Price: $31.22 at Amazon.com

Photo by John Daniel