About the book: 2001 / The first unit, fully equipped with Fw 190 fighters, which appeared on the Eastern Front, was I./JG 51 "Molders" - 1st Battalion, 51st Fighter Regiment. The pilots, who knew nothing about the behind-the-scenes struggle around the new fighter, treated their recall from the front for rearmament as a happy opportunity to relax and visit their homeland. I./JG 51 was formed on 1 April 1937 at Bad Albig (Bavaria) as I./JG 135. Immediately before the start of the French campaign, the division became part of the 51st Fighter Regiment. I./JG 51 saw action in the Netherlands, France and the Battle of Britain. At the end of May 1941, I./JG 51 was transferred to the east in preparation for Plan Barbarossa. The division suffered its first losses shortly after the start of hostilities on the Eastern Front..