One of the iconic American aircraft of WWII was the Curtiss P-40. This was thanks as much to the PR surrounding the Flying Tigers as it was anything. The P-40 was an aircraft that happened to be the best available at the time and not necessarily the best around. It was relatively heavy and not a stellar dog-fighter. It was, however, well armed and able to do a superb job in 'hit and run' tactics, thanks to its very good diving abilities. Even as better aircraft became available, the P-40 continued to be used by both the US and Allies. This was particularly true of the CBI and Western Pacific areas where ruggedness and minimal air opposition allowed the obsolescent Warhawk/Kittyhawk to continue to be effective in fighter-bomber operations.

Among the many nations that used the P-40 were the Dutch. Operating the southwest Pacific, they had little chance for air to air combat but did stellar work in ground attack. Once the war was over, it was time to reclaim the Dutch East Indies from the Japanese. However, things did not go exactly as planned. First the British balked at allowing Dutch forces back on their previous property. Then there was a growing independence movement among what were to be the people of Indonesia. Finally getting back in the islands in 1946, the Dutch went about bringing order to a rather chaotic situation. This resulted in two separate police actions against Indonesian separatists. The first was in 1947 and the second in 1948. In the first, the P-40 was the major fighter-bomber used, while in the second, it took a more secondary role to other types, like the Spitfire and Mustang. Eventually the P-40 was relegated to training duties and then scrapped.

In addition to the history of the aircraft in Dutch service, this book is also a camouflage and markings history. During this time, the insignia went from the Dutch flag to a four color roundel. The aircraft also shed their camouflage paint, though not all at once, leaving some rather interesting looking aircraft. What really help this book stand out are the superlative photographs, many of the reprinted in a rather large size, a true boon to the modeler.

In line with other books in this series, it is in both Dutch and English, though not in the usual format. Most dual language books have the native language on one side of the page and English on the other. This works well for most as they can follow the photos and illustrations as the book progresses. Dutch Profiles puts all the Dutch language section first, followed by the complete English section.  The book is full of superb stories of the operations of the aircraft during the war and has undoubtedly the most complete history of the type yet published. Images are superb as are the color illustrations. These show every scheme/insignia combination used by these aircraft. What is even more of a delight is that there are quite a few rare period color photographs included. 

It all makes for a superb book and one of interest to any aviation enthusiast, especially if one is interested in some of the less publicized military forces. Another great thing about Dutch Profiles is that they generally release a decal sheet to go along with the book. A real plus for modelers to have the markings and a superlative reference at the same time.

This is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and I know that you will as well.

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

December 2010

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