Yugoslav Fighter Colours 1918-1941 (Vol 1) Book Review
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | October 2020 | Title | Yugoslav Fighter Colours 1918-1941 (Vol 1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Ognjan Petrovic, Djordie Nikolic | Publisher | Mushroom Model Publications |
| Published | 2020 | ISBN | 9788365958570 |
| Format | 192 pages, hardbound | MSRP (GBP) | £35.00 |
Review
Ognjan Petrovic and Djordie Nikolic masterfully recap Yugoslav Fighter Colours 1918-1941 in the first of a two-volume study from MMP.
Available in North America from Casemate, the intensely illuminating, picture-packed chronicle commences with introductory notes on between-wars Yugoslav military aviation. Acquisitions. Manufacturing. Force structure. Even training. It’s all here.
Coverage then segues to 12, chronologically arranged aircraft chapters:
- Nieuport 24 C1 & 27 C1
- SPAD S.7 C1 & S.13 C1
- Albatros D.III Ba.253 (Oef)
- Phönix D.I & D.II
- Aviatik (Berg) D.I
- Ansaldo SVA 5
- Bristol F.2b
- Dewoitine D.1 C1
- Dewoitine D.9 C1
- Dewoitine D.27 C1 Jockey
- Avia BH-33E
- Potez 25 A2
Subject sections start with general design & development remarks, move to Royal Yugoslav service notes, and end with color & markings commentary.
It’s packed with fascinating facts.
Did you know that two ancient Avia BH-33Es actually saw combat during the April 1941 war – and, amazingly, the type’s “last recorded use was in 1944” with Ustashi Croatia? Discover, too, why Yugoslavia employed the ubiquitous Potez 25 reconnaissance machine as a fighter.
The lavishly illustrated effort sports dozens of rare photos and archival images distributed among 192 pages. And co-author Petrovic’s excellent color plates – with supporting reference shots – provide plenty of potent project possibilities.
How about that curious, colorful combination and placement of insignia on SPAD S.VII “S7203”?
Extended, explanatory captions and aircraft specifications tables supplement text. And appendices, a selected bibliography, and a page of Yugoslav aviator badges and graphics conclude contents.
Thank you, MMP. We’ve waited far too long for an authoritative survey of Royal Yugoslav Air Force fighter colors & markings. And I, for one, can’t wait for Volume 2.
Robustly recommended!
With thanks to MMP for the review copy.