JUNKERS JU 188 UNITS OF WORLD WAR 2

Robert Forsyth

Publisher: Osprey Publishing Web: www.ospreypublishing.com ISBN: 978-1-4728-3638-0 Softback: 96 pages

RRP: £15.99

Not only does this title fill a hole in published works relating to this somewhat ‘neglected’ but important Luftwaffe type of the Second World War, but it is also an extraordinarily well produced little volume. However, with the combination of Robert Forsyth as author, Tony Holmes as editor and Osprey as publisher then its excellence was surely a given.

Following the tried and tested formula of the Osprey Combat Aircraft series (this is number 145 in the series), Robert Forsyth sets out the design and development of the aircraft, its introduction to service and its use on the front line from the Arctic to Africa.

Particularly pleasing is the range of internal photographs of cockpit arrangements, contemporary diagrams, and a range of truly superb photographs. To the reviewer – who is familiar with so many period images of Luftwaffe aircraft – there was barely a single image which was not entirely new to him.

The photo selection, too, is complemented by no less than 12 full pages of superb colour plates depicting multiple profile views of the Junkers Ju 188 in its different sub-variants, unit markings and colour schemes. These, coupled with the photo selection, will be particularly useful to the scale aircraft modelling fraternity.

The author covers in detail the operational history of the aircraft and sets out many of the Junkers Ju 188s sorties – particularly over Britain. These are liberally sprinkled with personal accounts and details gleaned by RAF intelligence officers investigating various downed Junkers Ju 188 aircraft wrecks and interrogating survivors.

All in all, this is an exceptionally good book which is very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Andy Saunders