For those of you that are unaware of this series, Kagero is doing a number of unit histories, and since Luftwaffe sells, has started off doing units from this air force. Each book contains some extra 'treat'. In this case, it is a combination book mark/color chip card with two of the more common Luftwaffe colors on it along with the FS 595 equivalent. Had I not pulled it out of the book and placed it with others, I'd tell you which they were! Apparently there will be a total of 12 of these.

Interestingly, this book starts out in 1942 instead of the beginning of the unit's history (that is in a later book). It covers what is the early Allied bombing era and the introduction of the FW-190A into the JG-2 inventory. JG 2 was a unit that spent the vast majority of its time in the main battle area of Europe. In case you are unfamiliar with the way Luftwaffe units are set up, it was not uncommon for a Geschwader to send several Staffeln to other theaters of operation to boost strength. JG 2 rarely did this, though it did send some to North Africa so one gets nice photos of desert painted 190s. 

Typical of these Kagero books, the written history consists of a diary-like presentation of the unit. It is mostly who shot down who and other similar information. Often the actual claims and losses on both sides are compared. Unsurprisingly, they often did not match up! All of these books are in a combination of Polish on the left side of the page and English on the right. None of the English translations have been done by people for whom English is a primary language. The results are sometimes an interesting use of syntax! Some authors are better at the translation than others and none of them are impossible to understand once one starts reading. This one is one of the better ones.

As with all Kagero books, there are a number of excellent profiles on the inside of the book and back cover. The center section and last page are fold-outs with the center section having color information as well. Though it is not an in-depth history of the unit, it is a very good read and one that a Luftwaffe fan should have in their book collection

Review book courtesy of my library.

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