NACHTJÄGER Luftwaffe Night Fighter Units 1939 – 1945

Publisher: Crécy Publishing Ltd Web: www.crecy.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-90653-756-2 RRP: £25.00

Given the nature of much of the content of this issue of Iron Cross magazine, a review of this new title seemed more than highly appropriate.

As ever, publications which appear under the ‘Classic Colours’ label

(an imprint of Crécy) can be relied upon as quality products. And this title certainly does not disappoint.

Author David P Williams is an acknowledged expert in his specialist field, his book bringing a wealth of hitherto unknown or littleresearched data to light in a narrative augmented by a veritable treasuretrove of more than 420 superb photographs. These are complemented by 30 specially commissioned colour profiles produced by Tim Brown, truly a master of his craft.

In this study, the author looks at the Nachtjäger from its formation as an embryonic force in 1939 through to the desperate and climatic days during the last throes of the Reich and the ultimate but inevitable demise of a force which had battled more than bravely in defence of the German homeland.

As David P Williams charts the course of the Luftwaffe’s night fighting force, we are taken through the various developments of that force from its inception and in which he covers all of the principal aircraft types used and the fighting methods employed.

The coverage also includes Himmelbett and other radar control systems, the Kammhuber Line, Intruder operations and the Eastern Front as well the book’s main focus: the defence of the Reich.

Coverage of weapon systems and orders of battle are particularly welcome, and no work of this nature would be complete without coverage of some of the leading Nachtjägd aces. The final battles of the night fighter force, including the surprising introduction of the Messerschmitt 262 as a night fighter in limited numbers, all go to make this an outstanding book and an important resource for modellers and students of Luftwaffe history.

The book is one which this reviewer enjoyed immensely, and it will be one which is a constant source of reference and to which he is sure to turn on many occasions!

Most highly recommended.

Reviewed by

Andy Saunders

Illustrations ✔. References/notes ✔. Appendices ✘.

Index ✘.