Finding one that had crashed, the Germans first obtained a close-up view of a B-17 bomber in October 1942. They studied it at their Rechlin test center. This was significant as until December 1942 they did not capture a completely undamaged B-17.

What opinion did the Luftwaffe have?

Impressed were senior German fighter commander Colonel Adolf Galland. He said.

“It has great speed to attack the enemy and big guns.”

The B-17 was built for daylight bombing, the Germans noted. Eleven of its machine guns carried unusual unique rounds never seen before. They later also recovered a high-tech targeting gadget, a Norden bombsight. Ironically, its schematics had been pilfered by a German spy before to the war beginning.

Concerned was top Luftwaffe officer Field Marshal Erhard Milch. He issued warnings:

“Göring advises not to fret over American bombers. One disagrees with me.

Later, he foresaw.

“Enemy bombers will attack Germany from 28,000 or 30,000 feet one day.”

Not everyone, though reflected his worries. Chief of Staff Luftwaffe Hans Jeschonnek said:

“We will wipe four-engine bombers exactly like twin-engine ones.”

Reality: The Reality

Milch was right even if the Germans destroyed several bombers. U.S. bombardment was increasingly fierce in 1943, demolishing German towns. 1943 Milch.

” The Year of Clensched Teeth.”

By March he issued another warning:

Our towns are facing serious problems.