This book contains 84 pages, 150 b/w photos, 3 color photos, 12 color profiles, 2 B/W maps, and 5 tables. It covers the war between Hungary and Slovakia in 1939.

Like WWII, which would begin 162 days later, the origins of this conflict could also trace its beginnings back to WWI and the Treaty of Versailles and specifically the Treaty of Trianon.

Hungary wanted to recover territory it had to give up as per the treaty, especially that in Sub-Carpathia. With Germany having seized Czechoslovakia and created the new nation of Slovakia, this seemed the right time to Hungarian officials. The war lasted approximately 12 days which in the end saw Slovakia cede roughly 655 square miles of territory back to Hungary.

The author has done heavy research to uncover much of the history of this short conflict and as he says in his author’s notes “was little known in the countries involved.”

Hungary relied heavily on Hitler’s Germany and Mussolini’s Italy when it began to rearm in 1938. The author gives a helpful review of aerial operations by both sides. Detailing bombing missions, recon missions, dogfights, and ground support operations. The aircraft types used and the human toll of the war are also covered.

The book has many photos and several beautiful color profiles that serve to enhance the written accounts well. This is a most interesting book that gives details of a little-known conflict just prior to the start of WWII. I can recommend this book to modelers, WWII enthusiasts, and aviation historians alike. It is interesting, informative and that like I, you will learn something new!

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