What with all the concentration on camouflage and colors for the major powers, it is often that some of the other participants in WWII get overlooked. Such is the case for the Hungarian air force. Like Germany, Hungary was severely limited in what they could put in the air and a national air force was strictly forbidden. Unlike Germany, it took the nation quite a while to finally declare a national air arm and that was in 1938.

However, it does not mean that there was no air force as one had existed post WWI, and was secretly established once the Entente had made Hungary's air military forbidden in 1920. The 'Bureau for Aeronautic Affairs' was established in 1924 and was the basis for the resurgence of the air force. Fighter types were ordered on a very small scale and brought in unarmed as sporting planes during this time. Slowly the force grew, all the while carrying civilian registration, similar to the method used by Germany. Even when it was obvious to all but the blind that an air arm had been formed, these planes still carried their civil codes. Once the air force was officially underway as such, the Hungarians were able to purchase planes that it needed. Most of these came from Italy who had been supplying them with a blind eye for most of this period. It enabled the Hungarian Air Force to operate some relatively modern equipment, at least modern by Italian standards and though other types entered service, it wasn't until nearly the end of WWII that Hungary was able to operate some of the latest types.

This is the first of a two volume set and interestingly, it contains the table of contents for both volumes in it. Naturally there is an introduction to the subject as to why the book is needed and what was done in terms of research. This is followed by section to explain the codes and other markings applied to Hungarian aircraft. What seems like a bit of a jumble to the uninitiated is made quite clear in this section. There follows a chapter on the various colors used during this period of time. While most aircraft initially flew with the colors provided by the manufacturer, they were repainted in Hungarian colors during their first overhaul. Those aircraft made in Hungary got local camouflage from the start.

Then we get into the main body of the book which is a look at each aircraft type used in the order that it entered service. For volume one we have the Fokker D. XVI, Avis I-IV, Fiat CR.30, Fiat CR.32, Fiat CR.42, Bf-109D, Bf-109E and Bf-109F. Each section not only gives a rundown on the types service but also we are treated to a great selection of period photos, a few of them in color. This is further enhanced by a large number of full color profiles based on some of the photos that are in each section.

This is all followed up with several appendices that include a list of ranks and the organization of fighter units. In all, it is an outstanding book that is well researched, provides us with a bevy of interesting photos and is just the perfect book for the modeler and enthusiast alike. Highly recommended. 

January 2014