Messerschmitt Bf 109E - The Blitzkrieg Fighter Book Review
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | December 2013 | Title | Messerschmitt Bf 109E - The Blitzkrieg Fighter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Marek J. Murawski, Jakub Plewka | Publisher | Kagero |
| Published | 2013 | ISBN | 9788362878840 |
| Format | 188 pages, softbound | MSRP (USD) | $29.95 |
Review
In the fast-evolving aircraft technologies of the 1930s, engine developments proved critical to fighter performance.
Exhibit 1: Messerschmitt's Bf 109. Substituting the Daimler-Benz DB 601 for the Junkers Jumo 210 transformed an underpowered, under-armed mediocrity into a potent weapon – key to Hitler's early conquests.
Marek J. Murawski and Jakub Plewka tell the tale in Messerschmitt Bf 109 E: The Blitzkrieg Fighter – second installment in Kagero's lavishly illustrated "Monographs Special Edition" series.
After useful background notes on design and development, contents course, chronologically, by campaign:
- Spain
- Poland
- France & the Low Countries
- Battle of Britain
- North Africa
- The Balkans
- Russia
Absorbing anecdotes season the story. And given the book's length, the authors naturally spotlight some personalities and units more than others. But Kagero capably recaps the whole story – including international use.
If you're seeking compact coverage of "Emil" operations, this handy handbook superbly fits the bill. Dozens of photos and color plates season the visual feast. And scale drawings, selected sources and illuminating endnotes neatly wrap things up. Make it part of your Luftwaffe library.
Recommended!
My sincere thanks to Casemate for this review sample!