Messerschmitt Me 109

Volume 1 From 1936 to 1942
By Anis Elbied & Andre Jouineau
Histoire & Collections, 2002
ISBN 2-913903-08-8
82 Pages, Softbound

Reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl

While there seems to be more than enough Bf 109 books out there, sometimes one comes out that just screams out to be bought, and this is one of those books.  This title is the first part in a series, covering this plane from the first prototype through the Bf 109F.  While there are a handful of photos spread throughout the book, the majority of the pages are filled with color profiles showing many of the interesting schemes worn by the Bf 109.  In fact, a total of two hundred profiles are in here, and this is just through the 109F!

In addition to the nicely done profiles there are several illustrations showing camouflage patterns, type differences and stenciling locations.  There are also a couple of pages showing different tail kill markings, both generic and specific to individual aces.  Outlines on rank markings for both Geschwader and Gruppen leaders are included, as well as an overview of colors and fuselage markings for the individual Staffeln.  Finally there are pages showing unit emblems and base locations from 1939 to 1941.

This new series from Histoire & Collections shows much promise and I for one can’t wait to see what comes next from them.  I will definitely be getting the second volume on the Bf 109 and I hope that they do equal work on the Spitfire and Hurricane.