Jagdgeschwader 400
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Authors: Stephen Ransom & Hans-Hermann Cammann
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-84603-975-1
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 128
The Messerschmitt Me 163 was an impressive technological achievement, being the first operational rocket fighter. A single unit was created to operate the type in combat, and this book tells the story of that unit, Jagdgeschwader 400. Of course, one cannot tell the story of JG 400 without first discussing the aircraft, and this book is no exception. Thus, the first part of the book details the development of Messerschmitt's rocket fighter.
Once that introductory background is out of the way, the remaining part of the book details the operational history of JG 400. This is divided into specific units of JG 400, with individual chapters on the 1st Staffel/JG 400, 2nd Staffel/JG400, I Gruppe/JG 400, and II Gruppe/JG 400. In addition to the historian's text, there are several personal stories and recollections from those directly involved with the Me 163. Reading these really helps place the historical writing in context, and makes the book a much more interesting read.
Of course, no Osprey book would be complete without photos and illustrations, and this book does not fall down here. The photos are all quite good, often times printed large enough to make out quite a bit of detail. The color profile illustrations follow the development of the Me 163 from the prototypes all the way through to the post-war captured aircraft. Overall, this is a very good introduction to the Me 163 and JG 400. My thanks to Osprey Publishing for the review copy.