Luftwaffe Squadrons, 1939-45

by Chris Bishop

Illustrated with detailed artworks of German combat aircraft and their markings, The Essential Aircraft Identification Luftwaffe Squadrons 1939-45 is a comprehensive study of the Luftwaffe in World War II. Organized chronologically by theatre of war and campaign, this book offers a complete organizational breakdown of Luftwaffe units, from the Polish campaign through to the last days of the Reich. Each campaign includes a compact history of the Luftwaffes' role and impact on the course of the conflict, as well as orders of battle, lists of commanders and campaign aces.

Every type of aircraft is featured, including the numerous variations and types of well-known models, such as the Messerschmitt Bf 109, Junkers Ju 87 and Focke Wulf Fw 200, through to lesser-known aircraft, such as the Arado Ar 232 transporter, Heinkel He 162 Salamander fighter and the Henschel Hs 129 tank destroyer. Each aircraft profile is accompanied by exhaustive specifications, as well as details of individual and unit markings.

Packed with 400 color profiles of every major type of Luftwaffe combat aircraft, The Essential Aircraft Identification Luftwaffe Squadrons 1939-45 is a must have reference guide for modelers, military historians and aircraft enthusiasts.

Genres: World War II, Aviation, History, Germany, Military History

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Tom Oman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book goes through every stage of the war from the German perspective. Each section deals with a different theatre and comprehensively and chronologically talks about and shows every type of plane used and the numbers and special modifications and developments etc. There are well written ad succinct write ups about each battle or operation from the perspective of the Luftwaffe and the strategy or tactics used. It does not go into great detail about the design of the planes themselves, but every write up includes illustrations of the planes used and their liverys for every battle.

Apologies for this hasty review written on a phone in a car!

[Gil Burket · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather odd book... both an operational history of the Luftwaffe and a color guide to the camouflage and markings of the organization.

The color illustrations are used to parallel the story of the rise and fall of the mighty air arm.

I am not sure who will value it more... a history enthusiast or a model maker. I like it for both reasons.