Ten years is quite a milestone for a publication and especially so for one like Luftwaffe im Focus. #20 arrived the other day and is their 10th Anniversary special. The special is an increased page count and more period color photos than I have seen in any previous edition. What is so special about all this is that the images are pretty much ones that have not been published elsewhere. This is not an easy task and is what makes the magazine so special to those who have an interest in the Luftwaffe.

As usual, the articles and images cover the full gamut of Luftwaffe types including fighters, bombers, experimental types,  and ground attack. Interestingly, the editorial mentions that most readers want to know about the aircraft outside the mainstream of fighters and bombers.

Certainly this edition fills that bill with articles on seaplanes and flying boats as well as night fighters, and a very interesting gun pod carried by Ju-88s on the Eastern Front. I am always delighted to see some interesting camouflage schemes and a spotted 109E certainly fits into that category.

As usual you get some very interesting pilot stories including a stuka pilot in Russia, an intruder pilot operating over the Bay of Biscay and a 109 pilot who flew during the early years of the war over the UK.

Of course, there is much more, but I will not spoil another fine edition by telling all. You will need to get your own copy and I have to say you will not be disappointed.  As always, the large A4 format allow for some superb and large photographs, something I know we all have come to appreciate. Like the earlier LIF books, this one is dual English/German and is not only interesting but informative as well. There is delight in every page, making this book one that you simply have to get.

July 2012

Review book courtesy of  Luftfahrtverlag-Start  where you can order your copy and get up to date information on costs. American readers can get it at www.squadron.com and at RZM.

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