This is the first of two volumes which will provide an in-depth study into the aircraft, camouflage and markings, and operations of the transport, airlift and heavy-lift units of the Luftwaffe between 1937 and 1945. The Transportflieger, an often forgotten arm of the Luftwaffe, provided essential supply and battlefield support to both the Wehrmacht and the Luftwaffe in their campaigns across Western Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, North Africa, the Mediterranean and finally the Ardennes and the remains of the Reich, during the World War II. There were some 30 Knight’s Cross holders who flew in the transport units. This volume includes some 200 photographs drawn from a variety of private sources, the majority of which are previously unpublished. Alongside the photographic content, the book also includes specially prepared color artworks and first-hand reminiscences from those who actually flew with the Transportflieger during the war.