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Hikoki Publications |
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Luftwaffe Aerial Torpedo Aircraft and Operations in World War II |
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by Harold Thiele |
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Reviewed By Floyd S. Werner, Jr., #26266 |
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ISBN 1-902109-42-2 MSRP: $29.95 USD Flying 30 feet off the wave tops at a relatively low speed took lots of courage, skill and determination; German torpedo airman displayed these characteristics routinely. Before this book, German torpedo aircraft and pilots had never been covered in any great detail. Despite being dismissed by Hitler before World War II as unfeasible, the Luftwaffe torpedo aircraft continued to carry out operations from the Spanish Civil War to the end of the war. Overcoming the fact that they never had a dedicated torpedo aircraft, the German airmen performed their job with good success. Often overshadowed by their Italian counterparts, the German torpedo force was very effective in the Mediterranean. Deployed from the Mediterranean to the Artic region with aircraft designed as level bombers, the Luftwaffe torpedo aircraft rose to their task, reaching their pinnacle in the middle of 1942. Primarily utilizing the He-111 and the Ju-88, the torpedo units were used on both day and night operations. Although never developed to their full potential, the German torpedo units served with the same distinction of their level bomber brethren. This softbound book from Hikoki Publications is the most authoritative book on the use of torpedoes by the Luftwaffe in World War II. Designed in a chronological order, the book covers the operations from World War I to the end of hostilities in World War II. There are six wonderful color profiles of the various aircraft used on operations. Also there are over 100 black and white photos, most of which are new (to me anyhow), that tell the story of Luftwaffe torpedo operations. Included in these photos are plenty of ships and in action shots of low flying aircraft during the attacks. There are nine appendixes, which cover a variety of topics including an allied report on operations against convoy PQ.16. I loved the personal recollection of Lt. Herbert Kuntz in one of the appendixes. There is another appendix covering the He-111 as a torpedo carrier, which has some very interesting photos. Overall this is a very good book for the historian and model builder, and will definitely expand your knowledge of Luftwaffe operations. If you are looking to add something different to your Luftwaffe models try a torpedo or two, maybe even four. You will find the photos inspiring and of good quality. I highly recommend this book. Thanks to Specialty Press for the review copy. If you buy from Specialty Press make sure they know you read about it here at IPMS/USA. The book may be ordered by calling Specialty Press at 1-800-895-4585 or by visiting www.specialtypress.com. A $4.95 shipping and handling fee is added to each order. |
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