This is the second volume that deals with the Polish Air Force after the German invasion in 1939. Pictures of Polish aircraft are very rare, especially before the pre-war period. This was a security protocol implemented by the Polish government. Because of the success of this protocol, there are very few photos of the aircraft used by the Polish Air Force. The conquering Germans are therefore the best reference for the airplanes. Needless to say, most of these pictures are previously unpublished.

This book picks up where the other one left off with more airfields, this time concentrating on the ones located in the Silesia, Lublin and Wilno regions. Most airfields are shown in twenty six maps. As with the first volume, you are treated with photos of a wide variety of aircraft, including PZLs and RWDs. Nicer yet, for some reason there are more photos of intact or less damaged aircraft at these airfields. There are unit emblems on some of the PZL.23 Karas and some PZL.11s. The unit emblems are some of the most elaborate and colorful markings ever applied. I really like the look of the PZL.37 bomber. It is a very streamlined looking aircraft.

The photos are black and white. Most are very clear and are large enough to be useful to the modeler. If you have a Mirage model you will find these books invaluable. They are likely to be the best references you are going to find on the Polish aircraft. This is the first time I’ve seen a camouflage pattern applied to a Polish aircraft.

The Germans not only photographed the aircraft but they used them in propaganda films. This volume includes stills from German propaganda films. There is a chapter that deals with aircraft that were evacuated after the German and Soviet invasions. The aircraft were flown to Romania on 17-18 September. Interestingly, this is the first time that we see operational Polish aircraft, albeit painted in Rumanian markings. Personally, I love the look of the gliders. Then there is a chapter that deals with captured aircraft in German and Soviet markings. This is a Luftwaffe modelers dream – plenty of unique aircraft in unique markings.

Included at the end is an index for each type of plane in both volumes which will help the model builder on his quest for information. Also included is a really nice drawing printed on high quality paper that is suitable for framing. I’m not sure what type it is.

Highly recommended You can obtain yours by contacting Casemate in the US at http://www.casematepublishers.com

Thanks to Mushroom Model Publications/Casemate and IPMS/USA for the review copy.