This is #19 in the 'Aviation Elite Units' series and covers JG 2, a unit that formed in 1917 and went on to include a number of Germany's more successful aces. All of the JG 2's aircraft were to have blue fuselages with the nose colors determining which Jasta operated the aircraft. JG 2 also used a wide range of aircraft, starting the Pfalz and Albatross fighters, working its way through Fokker Dr.Is, Siemens-Schuckert D.III/IVs and finally settling on the Fokker D.VII. They also flew the Fokker E.V (D.VIII) for a short period but gave it up after several fatal accidents caused it to be pulled from combat.

As with all Osprey books in this series, it is quite authoritative and provides a good look at the trials and tribulations of this famous unit. There are many first-hand accounts of the battles over the Front lines and what it was like to battle in the air during that period. During September of 1918, the geschwader had a particularly successful time when operating against the relatively inexperienced American aero squadrons and their French allies.

Throughout all of this the unit was plagued by the need to fly older aircraft when newer ones were slow in coming. They also suffered from poor engine performance, some engines failing after less than ten flying hours. Later in the war, it was a lack of fuel and lubricants that kept the blue fuselage aircraft from being able to fly. The end of the war came as a shock to many of these men as those at war were generally isolated from the machinations of their politicians.

There are over 40 color profiles of the various aircraft used by the geschwader as well as appendices that include a listing of pilots, some more notable aircraft and those given high awards.

Overall, an excellent book on the subject that will keep your attention from the first page to the last.

Available in bookstores and hobbystores, everywhere, through Osprey Direct (866 620 6941; info@ospreydirectUSA.com) or at http://www.ospreypublishing.com/.

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