Born in 1915, Johannes Kaufmann left school early to work as an apprentice in an aircraft factory. In 1934 he volunteered in the newly-formed Luftwaffe, working through the ranks to become a Hauptmann by the end of the war, commanding a Staffel of Bf 109 fighters.
Kaufmann’s book, Meine Flugberichte, was published in Germany in 1989. The English translation, a never-before-seen version, has been updated to enhance his story and add greater chronological and contextual detail for the English author.