Continuing with their superb 'air battle' series, this particular issue concentrates on the action around Stalingrad during the winter of 1942/43. This battle was, for the Germans in Russia, one of the turning points of the war. It basically blunted their rapid advance east and south.

Most historians and enthusiasts know about the land battles that took place over this city, but few are aware of the air operations that took place at the same time. As the Soviet counterattack had basically surrounded the German army, it was up to air power to provide any sort of supply to the troops in the city. It could very well be considered the Luftwaffe transport arms greatest achievement in providing an air bridge to bring in materiel.

I found it quite interesting to read that the transport pilots did not want any fighter escort, preferring to use their slow speed and ability to fly close to the surface to complete their missions. They felt that the fighters would only give away their position to the Soviets, and for the most part, they were quite correct.

Meanwhile, German fighter and ground attack units were busy in their own rights helping the ground forces and interdicting Soviet sturmoviks and other ground attack aircraft. Most of us fail to realize how few German aircraft there really were in theater, making their accomplishments even more remarkable. In fact, one could say that the Luftwaffe pretty much single-handedly stopped the Soviet breakthrough of early 1943 from turning into a rout for German forces.

This book covers the German and Soviet air operations during this crucial time. It highlights the accomplishments of units and individuals during the ebb and flow of battle. There are a number of appendices that provide stats and the book is superbly illustrated. Not only with excellent period photos from both sides, but with an excellent assortment of maps and charts showing some of the more salient operations of this period.

Stalingrad: the air battle is a book I found entertaining, informative and a super reference. I know you will as well.

January 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

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