JG 51, Volume 1

Air Miniatures #29
Marek J. Murawski
Kagero, ©2004
ISBN 83-89088-39-8
Softbound, 88 Pages

Reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl

This latest release in Kagero's Air Miniatures series starts a series on the famous JG 51 unit. Written in both Polish and English, this book starts the story of JG 51 at the beginning, in 1936 with the formation of the first fighter units of the Luftwaffe, specifically those of JG 135, JG 132, and JG 20. Those original units eventually became the core of JG 51, and this confusing time of squadron changes is well covered in this text.

Once past this initial creation period of JG 51, the book moves into the wartime operations of the unit. JG 51 saw its first action in the Polish campaign. The text follows the battle chronologically, with anecdotes of personal victories and losses as well as the general operational history. Following the Polish campaign came the Western Front, first in France and the Low Countries, then over Britain, with the final section detailing the entire Battle of Britain. Added throughout the well-written text are many good photos, as well as a handful of color profiles. As an added bonus, this book comes with a bookmark that has two RLM color chips on it, always a useful addition to the modeler's arsenal.

This has all the makings of a great synopsis of the operations of JG 51. I look forward to the next installment as I am sure it will continue the quality Kagero has come to be known for. Kagero titles are available from Squadron Mail Order.