Shrouded in secrecy during World War II and obscured by myth ever since, Kampfgeschwader 200 (200th Bomb Wing) remains one of the Luftwaffe's most fascinating formations. Considered a special-operations unit, KG 200 delivered spies while flying captured Allied aircraft, conducted clandestine reconnaissance missions, and tested Germany's newest weapons--such as a piloted version of the V-1 rocket (essentially a German kamikaze). Covers some of the KG 200's more sinister operations, including suicide missions and the unit's role in defeating a French Resistance insurrection in June-July 1944 Includes information on aircraft used and known personnel losses Features rare photos and color illustrations of KG 200 aircraft

Shrouded in secrecy and intrigue during its lifetime and myth and legend since its dissolution, the KG 200 still remains for many one of the most fascinating units of the Luftwaffe. Delivering spies while flying captured Allied aircraft, clandestine reconnaissance missions over land and sea, testing new weapons such as the 'Mistel' composite bomber and the piloted V-1, and extremely long-range liaison flights were just some of their tasks. But there was also a more sinister aspect to their operations: men from KG 200 played a significant part in the notorious action against the French Resistance on the Vercors plateau, others were involved in what were effectively suicide missions. Geoff Thomas's deeply researched text throws new light on all aspects of this unit, dispels a number of myths and shows that despite its 'special' status, KG 200 was just as much a prey to the Nazi hierarchy's power politics as every other branch of Wehrmacht, with results that were often tragic but frequently farcical.

"Luftwaffe's Secret Kampfgeschwader (KG) 200" is an article by Andrew J. Swanger, originally published in the May 1997 issue of "World War II" magazine. Swanger asserts that the KG 200, a Nazi unit that operated a wide variety of aircraft, took part in numerous covert missions against the Allies during World War II. Cowles History Group, Inc., a division of PRIMEDIA Special Interest Publications, provides the full text of the article as part of the HistoryNet online resource.