Customer Reviews

56th Fighter Group (Osprey Aviation Elite 2)

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The outstanding 56th FG has already been extensively covered. But this volume is by Roger Freeman. He's the leading authority on the 8th AF; also tops in virtually anything he signs his name to. Reason enough to go for it.

He's done it again, praise Osprey's good judgement in selecting him for this one. First, it's as freshly readable a unit history as can be found anywhere. Then, for those already versed in 56th FG ops/accomplishments, there's plenty of new info, as if Freeman reviewed everything already out on the subject and deliberately decided to offer material that wouldn't be redundant. Sprinkled through the text are relevant sidebars, combat reports from pilots participating in the event. So readers get the big picture in context with the human scale.

Illustrations! Rare photos in abundance, with detailed captions to add further interest. Art profiles -- 58! These start with a few prior to shipping out overseas. The bulk are combat a/c: illustrating the chronologically evolving array of camo & markings styles during the War; and while every ace a/c from Osprey's P-47 ACES of the EIGHTH AF is repeated, there are a few additions. Lastly, there's some noncombat types also serving the 56th. Plus, the profile captions are especially informative.

Too bad that there are a few goofs, minor, mind you, that should have been caught in the copyediting. This is small stuff that readers can sort out without too much of a problem.

As exciting as the Osprey series is, the quality of each varies. The 56th FIGHTER GROUP is in the top rank of them all.