This edition from the Osprey 'Warrior' series focuses on the crews of the Luftwaffe's bomber force during WWII. As with most everything in the German military of the period, the initial group of men were highly motivated and superbly trained. Only the best were considered either for pilots or for crewmen. Those who were unable to make the grade, often chose to serve as ground maintenance personnel.

As the war continued and losses mounted, the standards and length of training started to slip until near the end of effective bomber use in mid/late 1944, those flying the Luftwaffe's bombers were barely trained and the greatest losses in the force were from accidents rather than enemy action.

Author Robert Stedman takes us through what it was like to be in the Kampfflieger at this time. He takes us through initial recruitment, the various forms and levels of training given to pilots and aircrew as well as what daily life was like for these men, who generally served without a break from the time they entered service until they were killed, badly wounded or the war ended. Unlike Allied crews, these men received no break in the stresses of flying where every mission was fraught with the very real possibility of not returning.

In addition to the the life and hazards of the bomber crew, the book covers the various dress and equipment used by these fliers. Illustrator Adam Hook does a superlative job of providing some quality color plates that have these various outfits and materials shown to us. Additional information on each and every item is provided in the appendix of the book.

Overall, another quality Osprey publication that both informs and entertains. It is one that I know you'll enjoy as much as did I.

December 2005

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