Introduction

The following portion of the introduction is from Pen and Sword:
The photographs in this collection belonged to Luftwaffe Stuka rear gunner and radio operator Erich Heine. The collection includes photographs of flights of Stukas in formation, operating training aircraft, and a selection of different Luftwaffe uniforms and flight gear. The photographer was based for a period in Czechoslovakia, was shot down over the Ukraine in August 1943 and for a time was listed as missing in action.

This collection offers a unique insight into the German experience of World War Two, providing the opportunity to access materials that have never been published before.

Review

This offering from Pen and Sword is part of the ‘Images at War’ series. This series of books are soft backed offerings having a good card cover with a very good spine to the book that keeps the contents in good order. This book covering ‘Stuka Hitler’s Lethal Dive Bomber’ has been authored by Alistair Smith. This title from Alistair Smith is one of small number of offerings covering conflict during World War 2. The contents of this title are provided over 112 pages of good quality semi gloss paper.

The contents are presented in the following sections:
Introduction – Retreat to Dunkirk
Chapter 1 – Portraits
Chapter 2 – Training
Chapter 3 – Czechoslovakia
Chapter 4 – In Flight
Chapter 5 – Snow and Ice
Chapter 6 – Funerals
Chapter 7 – Leave

This offering from Pen and Sword as part of their Images of War series covers the Stuka dive bomber during the trials and tribulations it faced during World War 2. Each chapter as noted above has a short intro of various lengths as a guide to what is presented. The text is well written and provides a good level of basic information.

The photographs provided in the title and black & white period offerings, most of which are I believe personal photographs rather than staged propaganda offerings and as such provides the viewer with a look at how it was not how the party wanted it portrayed. The photographs concentrate very heavily on the men that flew the machines rather than the Stuka itself. Each of the photographs is accompanied by a well written caption that adds value.

Conclusion

This is the first offering in the Images of War series that has disappointed me; this is not due to what is included but for what is not. The title concentrates heavily on the crews and to a much lesser degree on the aircraft which is the cause or my disappointment. The book provides excellent reference on the uniforms and flight garb worn by crews in different climates but the aircraft itself seems to have taken a back seat in this release. Due to my observations I would suggest that if the uniforms are your area of interest then this title will be perfect for you.