Classic Books has gained a deserved reputation for providing well researched books on Luftwaffe subjects. This particular one continues in that tradition. I've somehow missed volume 1 of this work, but have found in volume 2 an excellent reference source. This one starts with KG 66 and continues on the list that ends with several miscellaneous units that were more support than ones that had planes.

The authors have listed the units alphabetically by their original designation. Each section includes a history of that unit under that specific designation and includes (where known) commanding officers, unit moves, aircraft operated, unit badges, unit codes and a short history of the unit over its life. When a unit is redesignated (as happens rather frequently), then that unit's history stops and it taken up in the section regarding the new designation.

All of this includes an extensive bibliography at the end of each unit history and shows to me that there was a considerable amount of research and effort that has gone into this book. As it should be for what is basically a unit reference book.

Adding to the interest and value of the book are a huge selection of period photographs (some in full color), showing the wide variety of aircraft and camouflage schemes used by the various units. Though some units have no photos, often due to the short duration of the unit in question, others have a goodly number of intriguing images of the aircraft that they flew. About the only way this could be improved upon would be through the inclusion of color profiles, something most other Classic books include, but which is missing from this one.

Overall, it is an outstanding reference book on the subject and one that I doubt will be surpassed any time soon. Like most other Classic Luftwaffe books, this one is bound to sell out soon.

August 2008

Review book courtesy of Specialty Press, where you can order your copy of this and many other superb aviation and modeling books. Visit their website at the link above or call them at 1-800-895-4585

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.