Les Messerschmitt Bf109 Finlandais

Avions Hors Série No. 8
Lela Presse, ©2000
ISSN 1258-2700

Aviation Usk Price: $27.95

Reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl

The Messerschmitt Bf109 saw service in a great number of air forces and while German service tends to get the lion's share of attention, there are some books out there focusing on the other guys. This is one of those books and the attention it lavishes on the Finnish Bf109s is outstanding. Since it's an Avions book all the text is in French, but that is hardly a detriment considering the photo content. If you CAN read French, it's even better, as the text is very well written and covers the whole history of the Bf109 in Finland, from the first appearances in 1943 to post-war usage.

The vast majority of the book is filled with great photos, though, and all of them are printed in a large size with attention given to clarity. At the end of the book there is a trio of color photos that give a good idea of the 74/75/76 camouflage. Following these photos are a series of color profiles that show off the varied schemes carried by the Finnish Bf109s. Also at the end of the book is a list of all the Bf109s flown by Finland, with a detailed listing showing when the plane came into the air force, who flew it when, and when it was stricken off. Also included in this list is the total hours flown and how many victories that particular plane had. Above this detailed list is a table outlining each Bf109 with the original Werk Nummer and four letter radio call signs (where applicable).

If you're interested in the Finnish Air Force or just like the Bf109 this is one book you definitely cannot do without. The outstanding photos coupled with the detailed research make it an amazing book for anyone's shelf, and it's definitely a bargain at $27.95.