It is always nice to see a new line of books, especially if one is interested in the Luftwaffe and the men who flew for it.

This first book in their Aces Profiles series is on Hans-Ekkehard Bob. Not exactly a name that one immediately brings to mind when thinking of Luftwaffe aces, but a man whose career mirrors the vast majority of men who fought during WWII.

To provide a very brief synopsis, Hans-Ekkehard Bob entered the Luftwaffe pre-war and went through all the good and bad that occurred until the end of the war. He fought in the French campaign, the Battle of Britain, the Russian invasion, US bombing campaign, back to Russia and ended up with JV-44 at the end of the war. He survived the war and is currently still alive and flying, being Germany's oldest active licensed pilot.

The author tells the story of this pilot in such a manner that one is drawn into the saga. We get the chance to not only read of his many missions and successes, but also the near death events and the problems he had dealing with an ever-increasingly powerful Allied air effort.

All of this is enhanced by a superb collection of period photographs drawn from many sources, and the outstanding profiles of renowned artist, Claes Sundin, whose work is acknowledged as among the best there is.

Together, this makes for an outstanding read for history buffs and a superlative reference for modelers. It is a book you can buy knowing you are getting the best there is.

Review book courtesy of Airpower Editions. Get yours at www.aviation-bookshop.com or your local bookshop.

March 2008

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