Undoubtedly one of the best covered air arms is the Finnish Air Force. Thanks to a superlative collection of photographs, the publishers have been able to document every aspect of the operation of the Finnish AF in World War II.  This book continues that by delving into the aircraft of LeSK, the Air Fighting School.

The predecessor of LeSK was Ilmailukoulu (Aviation School), which in the growing threat of war on the late 1930s was changed on 1 January 1938 to Ilmasotakoulu (Air Fighting School) and further in 3 January 1941 to Lentosotakoulu (Flying Fighting School) since the anti-aircraft defenses or air surveillance did not belong to the program  of the school. As in all similar institutions the main task was the elementary flying training.

This book also covers the advanced training units, which were established in every aviation regiment during the Winter War and the Continuation War. When the war progressed these units were reorganized into independent squadrons and operated until being disbanded after the end of the hostilities in autumn 1944.

In line with others the book is in both Finnish and English, containing well over 200 crisply printed photgraphs, four pages of drawings and a dozen color profiles. A rather large number of different aircraft types are covered, including  VL Pyry, Fokker D.XXI, Fiat G.50, Gloster Gamecock, Bristol Bulldog, Gloster Gauntlet, Letov Smolik, Fw 44 Stieglitz, VL Viima, VL Tuisku, Jaktfalken, Avro Anson, Hanriot H.232 and Fokker C.V.

This is a superb work of research and makes for some interesting reading as well. An outstanding companion to other volumes in the series. You really should treat yourself to one of these. It is a book that I highly recommend to you as both a great read and reference.

July 2008

Review book courtesy of  Kari Stenman Publishing, where you can order your copy of this and several other superb books on the Finnish AF. Now taking PayPal.

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