When one combines the authors Smith and Creek with anything on the Luftwaffe, you can be sure that you are going to be getting the best that there is. Together with Peter Patrick, they have produced a superb volume on the little known Research and Experimental Squadrons that operated in Germany until 1945.

These were the folks who were responsible for operationally testing reconnaissance aircraft, for developing mapping and survey equipment as well as high altitude flight, and for the unique Zircus Rosarius, which took operational enemy aircraft to various units so they could familiarize themselves with the types that they would meet in combat.

Much of the book centers around several personalities, including Theodor Rowehl, Horst Götz, and Erich Sommer. These men were directly responsible for a number of innovations, specialized equipment and tactics that were successfully used by the Luftwaffe. Much of the operational use of the Ar-234 was carried out by these folks and so there is quite a bit of coverage of this fascinating aircraft.

What probably brings the book to life more than anything else are the superb photographs, detailed color profiles and the stories from the men who were involved. I've seen a lot of Luftwaffe images, yet most of the ones here were new to me and not the usual fuzzy stuff, but crisp and clear. These are of some fascinating types including the Ar-240, Ju-352 and Ju-290 among the more interesting aircraft used by these squadrons.

An absolutely superb book and one that held my interest completely while reading it. It is a book that you should seriously consider and one that I give my highest recommendations.

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