When the Italians were running into issues with the British in North Africa, Hitler decided to help out by sending in what would later be known as the Afrika Korps. When this sort of involvement became reality, it was necessary to also provide some sort of air cover and so the Luftwaffe became quite involved, despite also being heavily involved in the war against the Soviets that was started in mid 1941.

The main Luftwaffe fighter unit to be based in North Africa was JG 27 and its most famous pilot was Hans-Joachim Marseille, whose incredible abilities had him racking up a tremendous score in a relatively short time. Of course, there was more to the Luftwaffe than JG 27's Bf-109Fs as sections of JG 53 were also involved as were bomber units flying Stukas and Ju-88s as well as heavy fighter units with their Bf-110s and a myriad of other types from transports to liaison aircraft.

This book covers what many would consider the hey-day of the German military in North Africa, from the start of 1942 until August of that year. For most of this period, the British were being chased back across North Africa towards Egypt and the war was fought in fits and starts. There were periods of intense action, followed by periods where both sides rested to reinforce and resupply. The conditions under which these men fought was harsh with hot daytime temperatures and low night time temperatures, all thanks to the very dry conditions that allowed the air and land to heat up and cool down quickly.

In this book, the author covers pretty much all the operations of the Luftwaffe where there was air combat for this entire period. There are quite a few pilot stories and action reports that make books like this interesting to readers. A goodly selection of period photos as well as a number of fine color profiles of desert painted Bf-109Fs are included in this volume. It given an excellent look at combat and the lax times as well, making for a well rounded book that I know you will enjoy reading.

September 2013

Review book courtesy of the fine folks at Casemate Publishing. Get yours from the link.

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