The WWI French Aces Encyclopedia: Volume 2: Bozon-Verduraz to Costes
By Matt Bittner
Author: David Méchin
Publisher: Aeronaut Books
ISBN: 978-1-953201-31-7
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 248
I present the second volume in The WWI French Aces Encyclopedia, Bozon-Verduraz to Costes. Costes is a well-known French aviator, flying to multiple points on the globe after the war, and creating multiple records - for the time - doing so.
The French WWI Aces Encyclopedia, broken up by the aces' last name in alphabetical order (with exceptions in Volume 8, which will be reviewed at a later date) consists of eight volumes. I will be reviewing each one.
The break out of each ace's section includes name, birthright, and other biographical information at the top, along with a graphical representation of the awards given. Then there's a photo of the pilot, followed by narrative for that person. Most aces also have color profiles of the "crates" they flew during the war, something this modeler relishes. Also included is a chart breaking out each "kill" with detailed information when known.
Volume 2 starts out with a narrative on the Drachen, the German WWI observation ballon that was hunted by French aviators. Although it was a static target, it wasn't easy to shoot down, mainly because of the Flak surrounding it and each balloon usually protected by fighter aircraft. Many aviators lost their lives "hunting the sausages", as the French liked to call them. It took cunning, and help from many pilots to successfully bring down a Drachen. Volume 2 contains a number of Drachen aces, such as Jean Chaput, Pierre Cardon, etc.
Huge, HUGE thanks to Aeronaut Books for sending this review copy. Watch for reviews of the rest of the series in the near future. Contact them direct for ordering information.