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Midland Publishing |
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German Air-Dropped Weapons to 1945 by Wolfgang Fleischer |
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Reviewed By Kevin Cummins, #35536 |
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MSRP: $44.95 USD Point of contact: Karin Hill This book is an absolutely awesome publication that deals specifically with German air-dropped weapons from World War One up to the end of World War Two. It encompasses 239 pages of detailed drawings, technical information, and photographs. ETC racks, launchers, loading apparatus, and internal cutaway drawings are included, plus photos of weapons in use, crews loading weapons, and aircraft both in flight and on the ground with said weapons installed. This book is an absolute treasure trove of information. Almost all of the drawings are copied from the Luftwaffe archives by contributing sources and the author. Bombs, rockets, and a range of other devices are covered, including sea-dropped containers, chemical munitions, remotely-piloted munitions, incendiary bombs, and general purpose demolition bombs. 100 types of bombs, 22 different canisters, and over 50 of the most important fusing systems are also covered. Even the fillings of different canisters are explained, with a detailed explanation of the chemical composition of the different explosives in use. I had always known that the German ordinance was very technologically evolved. However, I had no idea that they were as advanced as the items in this book. Just the explanations of metallurgy and the metals and alloys are interesting. Couple this info with the drawings and the background given in the text and this makes for a book that once picked up cannot be put down. Not a dry read, it is a fascinating work that is a must-have for any Luftwaffe or aircraft history buff. The author worked at the Dresden Military Museum and is well-versed in the subject matter. I received this book from John Noack almost two months ago, but my work and travel schedule prevented me from getting this done sooner. I’d asked for permission to reprint several photos through Specialty Press for this review, but evidently the publisher was unable to comply with the request. However, this shouldn’t stop anyone from picking this book up. It is a truly fascinating and informative item. |
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