This is the first of the 'Aviation Elite Units' books that I've read and it is quite an impressive undertaking. Jon Guttman has chosen to portray France's finest WWI fighter group with this book, a unit that includes the highly acclaimed aces Guynemer and Fonck, who between them, accounted for over a third of the group's entire victory score.

The author starts with the first attempts at making larger fighting units as the need for greater air strength developed during the early years in the war, culminating with the combination of several squadrons into France's first large fighter group, GC 12.

From there the actions of this group and its pilots is covered from its formation in November 1916 to the end of the war two years later.

The important campaigns in which this unit fought are covered as they were moved from place to place to stall German advances. As with every major unit, there were transitions as some squadrons left and others came to take their place. For those who like combat stories there are plenty of them to keep your interest. Other Osprey books provide a goodly selection of photographs and this one is no exception with over 120 black and white images of pilots and planes. There is the usual superb profile section covering 14 pages.

All together is tells the fascinating story of France's most successful group and a book that will keep you involved from the first page to the last.

 Available in bookstores everywhere, through Classic Motorbooks at (800) 826-6600 or at www.motorbooks.com. For more on the complete line of Osprey books, visit www.ospreypublishing.com or contact them at Osprey Direct, PO Box 140, Wellingborough, Northants, NN8 2FA, UK

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