 KG200:
The Luftwaffe's Most Secret Unit
By Geoffrey J. Thomas & Barry Ketley
Hikoki Publications, ©2003
ISBN 1-902109-33-3
Hardbound, 192 Pages
Available from Specialty
Press for $47.95
The history of KG 200 has always been interesting in some form, often
mentioned briefly in texts on the Luftwaffe in general. There have even
been a few in-depth books on the unit, but this latest title from Hikoki
Publications provides one of the most detailed descriptions of this secretive
unit ever written. The authors have clearly done their research on the
subject, and have presented their findings in a logical chronological
text. In addition to the main text, the authors have also compiled several
appendices, including a listing of aircraft used, commanding officers,
and a timeline.
The main text is broken up into annual sections, with the years 1940
through 1943 taking up the first 60 or so pages. This hints at just how
much more KG 200 did towards the end of the war. In addition to being
broken up chronologically, the text is further subdivided geographically,
which provides further insight into the operations of KG 200. Most notably
are the sections detailing the operations of KG 200 in the Middle East,
an area that has had little coverage from the German viewpoint.
For the remainder of the book, the years detailed are 1944 and 1945,
which saw a unit reorganization and expanded operations. These chapters
are some of the most interesting reading in the whole book, and include
several interesting operations, including Mistel attacks on Russian bridges
and guerilla warfare in France. This wide range of operations is what
makes the history of KG 200 so fascinating.
In addition to the text, the book is peppered with many interesting
photos of the aircraft and personnel of KG 200. Many of these photos have
not been published before, or have been incorrectly identified as a different
unit. Additionally, there are several pages of color profiles illustrating
the aircraft operated by this secretive unit, including captured aircraft.
This is undoubtedly the best single history of KG 200, well worth the
price. If you have an interest in the Luftwaffe, or secret operations
in general, this is one book that you cannot pass up.
My thanks to Specialty Press
for the review sample. Visit their website for this and other Hikoki titles.
|
|