This edition of  the New Vanguard series deals with the infamous V-1 cruise missile. Powered by the distinctive-sounding pulse jet engine, the V-1 was treated by the Germans as artillery and so given to the Flak units to put into operational use. Initially designed to be operated from large complexes, most of the ones built for V-1 use were destroyed before missiles were actually launched from them. This necessitated the use of smaller and more easily camouflaged launch sites.

The purpose of these missiles was strictly revenge bombing. The targets that received the brunt of V-1 attacks were London and later, Antwerp, where Allied supplies came ashore following the Normandy invasion.

Their actual impact on the war was inconsequential, despite the thousands of civilian lives lost in the attacks. The use of scarce explosives for their warheads meant that other armaments for tanks, anti-aircraft guns and bombs were unable to be produced in the quantities needed.

Osprey's book covers the full development of both the engine and airframe for the V-1 as well as post war use by the United States and Russia. France also used some V-1 technology to produce target drones.

The full story of the V-1, including the ill-conceived piloted versions is provided in this Osprey edition and makes for a fascinating and informative read. Highly recommended.

May 2005

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