 Nachtjager
Volume 2: 1943-1945
By David P. Williams
Classic Publications, ©2005
ISBN 1-903223-54-7
Softbound, 96 Pages
Available from Specialty Press
for $29.95
With this title comes an end to the Nachtjager series
from Classic Publications, and boy, did they end it with a bang! The waning
years of the war brought out some truly fascinating night fighter aircraft
on the Luftwaffe side as everything was pressed into service. This book
covers those converted aircraft as well as the purpose-built aircraft
such as the Heinkel He 219. The book begins in 1943 with the formation
of the "Wilde Sau." This dedicated night fighting unit coordinated
itself with Flak units to operate in the same area and began to intercept
British bombers at night. At this early stage, the pilots used whatever
they could find, employing Fw 190s, Ju 88s, and Bf 110s. It was not until
1944 that aircraft specifically designed for fighting at night showed
up, namely the He 219.
The book follows these night fighting units through to
the bitter end, with a text that is intelligently written and easy to
follow. Interspersed among the text are lots of personal anecdotes that
lend a personal touch to the story. I think that these anecdotes are one
of the shining stars of these books, and I truly enjoy reading them. Complementing
the text, of course, are lots of photos, including several in color. These
photos will undoubtedly get the blood flowing for some night fighter modeling.
Be ready for some extreme painting, though! Further enhancing this view
are the color profiles, done to the usual high standard that we have come
to expect from Classic Publications.
Overall, this is an excellent series on Luftwaffe night
fighters and a perfect complement to the outstanding Jagdwaffe series.
My thanks to Specialty Press
for the review copy.
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