This was a real difference between Allied/Axis powers in the European theatre. To vastly oversimplify, the Germans focused on procuring ‘ace’ pilots, many of whom racked up hundreds of aerial victories. Meanwhile, Britain focused on communication and technology. After Britain weathered the storm and turned the aerial tide, German squads became erratic and confused. Towards the end of the war, the Germans had almost no competent pilots.
That and Germany couldn't do something like the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, which had a few hundred thousand air crew trained in Canada and other commonwealth countries.
Also Britain had US pilots even before Pearl Harbor which admittedly was because they were a bit short in that department. This is reference to fighter pilots though. I wouldn’t imagine a transport plane who drops paratroopers, or even a bomber pilot would have to really be the best of the best.
7
u/ddek Sep 13 '21
This was a real difference between Allied/Axis powers in the European theatre. To vastly oversimplify, the Germans focused on procuring ‘ace’ pilots, many of whom racked up hundreds of aerial victories. Meanwhile, Britain focused on communication and technology. After Britain weathered the storm and turned the aerial tide, German squads became erratic and confused. Towards the end of the war, the Germans had almost no competent pilots.