Morane-Saulnier MS.406 Aces Book Review
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | July 2014 | Title | Morane-Saulnier MS.406 Aces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Kari Stenman, Christian-Jacques Ehrengardt | Publisher | Osprey Publishing |
| Published | 2014 | ISBN | 9781782003410 |
| Format | 96 pages, softbound | MSRP (USD) | $22.95 |
Review
France's most important fighter at the start of World War II, obsolescent Morane-Saulnier MS.406s sustained heavy losses during Nazi Germany's Blitzkrieg of France.
Outclassed by faster, more fearsome enemy fighters, the compact little combatant nevertheless sired a handful of French and, later, Finnish aces. Now Osprey examines their exploits in Morane-Saulnier MS.406 Aces – number 121 in the publisher's popular "Aircraft of the Aces" series.
Noted authors Kari Stenman and Christian-Jacques Ehrengardt tell the tale of the maligned Morane in 96 action-packed pages:
- Chapter 1 "The Best Fighter In The World"
- Chapter 2 The Phony War
- Chapter 3 The Battle Of France
- Chapter 4 Under Vichy And The RAF
- Chapter 5 The Winter War
- Chapter 6 Stalemate War
Enthralling anecdotes season Osprey's study. Fascinating photos and cool color art motivate your modeling muse. And helpful lists, appendices and index augment the account.
Nitpicks? Some.
A couple maps could clarify things. Did pilot Marcel Soulages really fly just "50 cm [20 in] behind" his "leader's wing" – in "thick fog"? And why virtually no mention of Swiss Morane derivatives? They scored successes, too.
I also wish the authors added a photo confirming the camouflage of legendary ace Pierre Le Gloan's MS.406C1 No 183. The color profile doesn't typify the early "SNCAO/Bouguenais" warpaint of aircraft nos. 1-600.
But, hey, as an MS.406 enthusiast, I utterly relished this ripping read. And if you seek breaks from commonplace Mustangs and Messerschmitts, you will, too.
Rabidly recommended!
My sincere thanks to Osprey Publishing for this review sample!