Once again, Mushroom Models Publications comes through with another superbly researched and illustrated book on a subject that few have tackled. This time, it is the Curtiss Hawk 75 (P-36 is US service) as flown by the French during WWII and after.

During the build up to WWII the French Air Force realized that local aircraft manufacturing wasn't going to provide it with the aircraft it needed. French manufacturing was slow and horribly inefficient; planes often sitting around for months awaiting simple items like guns or propellers. As a result, they turned primarily to US manufacturers who were able to produce planes in the quantity needed and fairly rapidly. Of course, it meant that the costs would be higher (a Hawk 75 was about twice the cost of a similar French aircraft), but the quality was good and more important, they could be delivered quickly and ready to go.

The Hawk 75 was modern in all respects and so quite desirable for foreign forces. Though it wasn't a great high altitude plane, it was quite maneuverable at lower altitudes and a capable fighter. Over 500 of different versions were ordered though not all reached France before it capitulated in June 1940. During the German invasion, many pilots flying for the French Air Force became aces on the Hawk 75. It was probably the most successful type in service at that time. After the surrender, those not in Metropolitan France were flown to North Africa where they continued to fly with the Vichy Air Force. By the time France was liberated in 1944, the Hawk 75 had seen its day and was relegated to training, a task it continued even post war for many years.

In this book, author Lionel Persyn covers the full story of the Hawk 75 as flown by the French. It includes it initial purchase and use in combat against the Germans. Then its use in North Africa and other French colonies against mostly the British is fully researched. This includes it use in Operation Torch in November of 1942. Included in the 144 pages is a full color walkaround of the only extant Hawk 75 in Europe as well as page after page of superb color profiles. Add to it the rare period color photos and a superb choice of other period photos of men and machines and you have a book that is a must have for your shelf.

A book that I very much enjoyed and most highly recommend. I know I've said it before, but MMP books are the best of its type.

May 2010

Please visit Mushroom Models Publications at their website listed below if you cannot find them locally. They are distributed in the US by Casemate Publishing and in Australia by Platypus Publications.

Many thanks to Mushroom Model Publications for providing the review copy. Your support is appreciated.

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