Kampfflieger- Bombers of the Luftwaffe 1933-1940, Volume 1 (Luftwaffe Colours) [Paperback]

J Richard Smith (Author)

Book Description

Series: Luftwaffe Colours | Publication Date: June 27, 2004

Kampfflieger forms the most comprehensive pictorial encyclopedia of the aircraft and markings of the Luftwaffe bomber force in World War II. Drawing on many rare and previously unpublished photographs, this is the first volume in a richly illustrated four-volume study. Each large format paperback features color profiles illustrating camouflage schemes, tactical markings, numbering and unit insignia as employed on all fronts, as well as personal accounts. Volume One begins with an outline of the clandestine German bomber development following the end of World War I up to the birth of the new Luftwaffe under the Nazi Party in 1933 and the evolution and changing doctrine of the embryonic German bomber force. The authors then continue with the Luftwaffe's operational debut in the Spanish Civil War and the formation of the nucleus of the new Kampfgeschwader. Volume One also includes the invasion of Poland and the birth of Blitzkrieg and concludes on the eve of the German invasion of the West. There are many rare photographs of the Do 11, Do 17, Do 19, Do 23, Ju 52, Ju 86, Ju 88, Ju 89 and He 111.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Classic Publications; First edition (June 27, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1903223423
• ISBN-13: 978-1903223420
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #516,284 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #88 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Military

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Early Years of the Kampfflieger!, September 25, 2006

By 

Michael OConnor "Wordsmith" (Wausau, WI USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Kampfflieger- Bombers of the Luftwaffe 1933-1940, Volume 1 (Luftwaffe Colours) (Paperback)

Ian Allan kicks off a four-volume set of German bombers with this nicely illustrated book by J. Richard Smith and Eddie Creek.

Identical in format to the firm's earlier 'Jagdwaffe' set, the book boasts over 200 black & white and color photos and 14 color side-views of Ju 52, Do 17, He 111, Ju 86, Ju 88 and FW 200 bombers by Tom Tullis.

The first 20-odd pages deal with the birth of the Luftwaffe's bomber force, detailing the creation and proliferation of the first bomber units, early bombers such as converted Ju 52s, the Luftwaffe's brief dalliance with four-engined bombers, etc. This section, to be honest, is rather dull but necessary to the story.

The action heats up as the Luftwaffe becomes involved in the Spanish Civil War. Following Franco's victory there, the inevitable buildup to war sees new, more modern bomber types introduced along with the creation of new units. The attack on Poland is followed by campaigns in Norway, France and the Low Countries as the Luftwaffe reigns supreme over all adversaries.

This section isn't much more exciting than the first pages noted above. It could have benefited from many, more first-person narratives from aircrew, only one being included. Personally I could have done without all the Luftwaffe orders of battle that run through the book.

So, on balance, you get a good collection of photos and artwork but a rather dry recitation of the birth and early campaigns of the Kampfflieger.