Modelers, re-enactors and historians alike will appreciate this book by Robert F. Stedman, a collector and restorer of World War I and World War II military uniforms and equipment, and contributor and advisor to international militaria magazines, TV, film and theatre. This work may not make you an expert in the field of WW2 Luftwaffe clothing, but you will have firm ground to build upon. It is a wealth of detail about clothing and gear--the basic equipping of soldiers--for the ground and aircrews of the Luftwaffe. Eight pages of twenty-four color plates by illustrator Mike Chappell (a frequent writer and illustrator for Osprey), plus numerous photographs (some are rare personal photos) and insignia charts ad, proverbially, many extra thousands of words to the text. Be aware, German’s Fallschirmjager (paratroops) are not a part of this book. Nor is this book concerned with the history of the war, only a synopsis is provided.

Mr. Stedman does not present a dry clinical recital. He extenuates the academic with additional facts beyond the obvious. Of interest is discussion of red and white colored tabs privately affixed to flight gear zippers, the popularity and dissatisfaction with some apparel, noting of fabric weaves used, colors of different articles, and more. Your eye for detail will be busy.

Forty-eight pages bring you through:

* Introduction, Rebirth and death of the Luftwaffe, Summary of campaigns
* Command Organization
--RLM - OKL - Luftgauge - Luftflotten
* Composition
--Aircrew - flight unit designations - aircraft technical personnel - anti-aircraft artillery - air signals - transport and supplies - auxiliaries - fire service
* Uniforms & Equipment
--Service Dress
--Tropical Uniforms
--Winter Uniforms
--Work Clothing
--Flight Clothing
(Flying (summer & winter) helmets, flight suits (one- & two-piece), jackets, trousers, footwear, gloves )
--Safety Equipment & Survival Aids
* Flight equipment
--oxygen masks - goggles - life vests (kapok & inflatable ) - parachutes ( seat, back & chest types), rafts, flare pistols, dye markers, compasses.
* Bibliography
* Description of the Plates
* Index

My only complaint is that there are no suggestions for simulating colors with popular model paints. That is an extremely contentious and controversial undertaking, as variations in garment manufacturing and preservation, and limitations of the printing process can cause even more confusion. I would still appreciate color photographs of items, or a table of suggested colors by Federal Standards, Munsell color system, and other resources.