By midwar in 1916, the Germans were not doing well in the air. It was as much a problem of unit organization as it was the skill of the pilots and the quality of their aircraft. Into this mix the idea of a unit based only on fighting or pursuit aircraft was brought forth, and the Jagdestaffel idea was born.

One of the most famous of these units was Jagdstaffel 2, lead by the charismatic and talented Oswald Boelke, Germany's premier fighter ace of the time. Boelke spent as much of his time teaching his fighting style to his eager pilots as he did plying the skies in search of British aircraft. The names of his students would be well known by all enthusiasts. Names like Baumer, vonRichtofen, Voss and Kempf were all attached to Jagdstaffel 2, named 'Boelke' after the death of this famous ace in a flying accident.

This particular book is a look at this famous unit in a diary format that provided not only a near day to day account of the flying and fighting of this unit, but also a look at the men and machines. Like all organizations, there were times when they had the upper hand in the air and things were good. Then again, there were times when the enemy had the upper hand and the morale of the unit wasn't as high. Throughout the unit's existence, there was capable and sometimes inspiring leadership.

In addition to the unit's history, there are a number of superb period photos of the men and machines of Jagdstaffel 2. This is all further enhanced by several pages of profiles and plan views of the aircraft flown by these men, from the Albatros D.I through to the Fokker D.VII that equipped many units at the end of the war.

It is a book that is a 'must have' for any enthusiast of the 'Great War'.

November 2007

For more on the complete line of Osprey books, visit www.ospreypublishing.com. In the US, it is Osprey Direct at 44-02 23rd St, Suite 219, Long Island City, NY 11101., where you can get a catalogue of available books.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.