Polish Fighter Colours 1939-1947 Volume 1
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Authors: Bartlomiej Belcarz, Robert Gretzyngier, Tomasz J. Kopanski, Wojtek Matusiak, Marek Rogusz, Wojciech Zmyslony
Publisher: MMP Books
ISBN: 978-83-63678-62-3
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 280
Mushroom Model Publications has had a long history with Polish researchers, and now it looks like they have turned their attention towards their own nation. The result is a massive collaboration aimed at documenting the camouflage colors and markings of the Polish Air Force during the 1940s. This includes both the initial defenders against the German invasion and the later Polish units operating within the Royal Air Force and l' Armée de 'lAir.
There are three main sections, starting with the Polish Air Force in 1939. This covers the PWS-10, PZL P.7a, and PZL P.11. Following this is the section covering Polish pilots in the French Air Force in 1940. The aircraft covered here include the Morane Saulnier MS.406, Bloch MB.151 and MB.152, Caudron-Renault CR.714, Curtiss H-75A, Dewoitine D.520, Koolhoven FK.58, and the Dewoitine D.501/510. The book finishes with the aircraft of the RAF that were flown by Polish pilots, including the Hawker Hurricane I, II, and IV, and the Supermarine Spitfire I, II, and V.
Each section begins with an overview on the organization of Polish fighter aviation with each air force, followed by a camouflage overview. After that, each individual aircraft is carefully detailed in its colors and markings. This includes lots of photographs throughout and some top-notch color profile illustrations. For these illustrations, the artwork is backed up by photos of the specific aircraft, which is a nice touch and provides that extra bit of reference on those specific aircraft.
With this being just the first volume, I am looking forward to the next volume and seeing what the rest of the story of Polish fighter colors will be. The quality of illustrations and the depth of information in the text and photographs makes this an excellent reference to have. My thanks to MMP for the review copy.