This book contains 82 pages, 84 b/w photos, 32 color profiles, 1 color map, and 6 tables. It covers the USSR’s military aviation in the Baltics in 1941. It is number 63 in the Europe at War series and is Volume one of three.

After beating Finland in the Winter War, the Soviets had also taken over part of Poland as well as Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. The false sense of superiority this instilled would come to light when the Germans invaded the USSR in Operation Barbarossa! Through the author’s access to many heretofore restricted files, especially those from the former Soviet Union, he can give a thorough accounting of situation.

The Soviet Air force (VVS) was woefully unprepared for the coming German attack! Outfitted with mostly obsolete aircraft such as the I-15 and I-153, among others. More advanced aircraft such as the SU-2 were not available in quantity and the newest fighters, early Yaks and Migs, were still in the developmental stage. This coupled with inadequate supplies, poor leadership and outdated tactics helped spell the disaster of the early months of the German invasion.

The book is divided into four chapters and a lengthy section of Soviet Baltic Air Force commanders and officers. The first chapter covers formation of the air force in the Baltics, and its composition and overall condition.

Chapter two covers the training in aerial combat in 1940. Chapter three covers equipment used. There is also a discussion on some of the failed aircraft prototypes such as the I-180 fighter, VIT-2 ground attack aircraft, and the SPB bomber.

The many color profiles are a boon to the modeler as multiple different schemes are shown. The last chapter covers the conditions and issues with the airfields and the coordination of support for these airfields, equipment, and personnel! This is followed by a section covering the various commanders and officers of the VVS in the Baltics.

The book is well illustrated. The book has a great deal of information that was not readily available prior to the author’s research. It is interesting, informative and you will learn something new!

My thanks to Casemate for the review copy and IPMS/USA for the opportunity!