Customer Reviews

Battle Colors, Vol. 3: Insignia and Tactical Markings of the Ninth Air Force in World War II

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The latest volume in Robert Watkins' BATTLE COLORS series summarizes the camouflage and markings carried by the 9th Air Force in WWII. Though the 9th was the largest tactical air force in history, it never received the publicity or historical documentation accorded to the better known 8th Air Force. In all likelihood Watkins' INSIGNIA AND TACTICAL MARKINGS OF THE NINTH AIR FORCE IN WORLD WAR TWO will become the definitive work on this war-winning yet historically neglected organization.

Since it describes an entire air force rather than just bomber units or fighter units as did volumes 1 and 2, Volume 3 divides the 9th's components into chapters covering Fighter Units, Troop Transport Units, Bombardment Units, Liaison Units and Reconnaissance Units. Additional chapters discuss USAAF Markings and Colors, 9th AF Organizational Charts, Operations Codes, etc.

Most units get a two-page summary. The first page gives the unit, its organizational assignment with the 9th along with color artwork of group/ squadron insignia and aircraft codes for each squadron. The facing page includes one or more color aircraft profiles, a color map of the group's ETO bases and a summary of the group's WWII history (motto, campaign streamers, unit decorations, overseas stations, insignia information and markings, etc.). Unlike Volumes 1 and 2, no black & white or color aircraft photographs are included. (There are such shots in other parts of the book).

Given the lack of photographic and documentary information on the 9th AF, Watkins has done a superb job of ferreting out as much data as he has. He freely admits Volume 3 is a work-in-progress. Several units covered in Volume 3 have notes stating "No Known Insignia," "No Known Squadron Codes," etc., indicating the research is on-going.

Volume 3 is a visual treat for air war enthusiasts. Watkins' profiles, group and squadron insignia, etc. are all nicely done and the data is easy to digest. Ninth AF fans will greatly enjoy the smorgasbord of color profiles of P-47s, C-47s, P-38s, P-51s, A-20s, A-26s, B-26s, P-61s, L-4s and L-5s that fill the book's 167 pages.

In short, Volume 3 is a wonderful - and much needed - addition to the BATTLE COLORS series. It presents a comprehensive and well-illustrated guide to the insignia and markings carried by aircraft of the "Mighty Ninth!" Highly recommended.

An extremely detailed compedium of unit markings for the US Ninth Air Force in the European Theater during WW2. This topic has been rarely covered in any detail by another author. While I wish some additional narrative had been provided about the units, it was not promised.

The Eighth Air Force was strictly strategic organization, comprised principally of heavy bomers (B-17 and B-24) and escort fighters (P-38, P-47 and P-51). The Ninth Air Force fulfilled the tactical role using medium (i.e twin-engine) bombers; fighter/bombers; night fighters; transports and recon/light-duty aircraft.

The book is more cogently organized than the volume on the VIII Bomber Command of the Eighth Air Force. The text is slim but provides the information needed. The author tends to be overly apologetic about gaps in information.

Well worth the price.