The time of the 1930s was a time of rather quick advancements in aviation. The latest and greatest of one year was obsolescent within just a couple of years, making it rather difficult for nations that had an air arm to keep current. Most realized this and rarely procured a lot of aircraft, knowing that they would have to have something better in just a few years.

For some of the smaller nations, this was even more difficult and while some, like the Netherlands, had a rather robust aviation industry, there were times when one simply had to go overseas for a type. In the few years just before WWII, some nations were ramping up for what they saw as the inevitable war.

In the Netherlands, there was a requirement for a modern attack aircraft, yet it was realized that locally produced types would not be in service for several years. In the US, Douglas had created a single engine attack plane/light bomber based on the Northrop Gamma, the Douglas DB-8 (Douglas bought out Northrop). The DB-8 was quite successful for the time resulting in sales to the USAAC as the A-17 and to many other countries.

The Dutch looked the plane over and realized that it would fill the bill. It was relatively fast and of modern construction, being an all metal low wing monoplane with retractable landing gear. What's more, it could be delivered quickly, at the rate of two a week with the first arriving within 5 months of the contract signing. So, in December 1938, the Dutch put pen to paper for eighteen aircraft. These were all delivered with the last arriving in January 1940. This meant that there was not a ton of time to get used to the aircraft as in a few short months, they would be in combat with the Luftwaffe. In the end, they had a moment of glory when they managed to shoot down several Ju-52s, being used as fighters, but the majority were destroyed during the time they were on the ground refueling and rearming. Very few survived with at least two being captured intact and flown by the Luftwaffe in training command.

Because of their rather brief combat record, this book has a lot of background information not only on the DB-8, but also on the organization and make-up of the Dutch Air Force. The aircraft's use in wartime is completely covered with each and every serial numbered aircraft having its history provided.

The book is also chock full of photographs of this aircraft. The plane spent most of its career in the orange triangle markings, but there are nice delivery photos in the original scheme as well as those captured aircraft. An extensive camouflage section is provided and there are superb color four views of the different variations in camouflage worn by the DB-8.

It makes for a fascinating look at what is a little known aircraft and one which never really had an opportunity to show its abilities. Written in both Dutch and English, it is a book I thoroughly enjoyed and I know you will as well.

Review book courtesy of www.dutchprofile.nl  where you can get your copy today.

April 2013

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.

Back to the Book Index

Back to the Main Page