This is the first of the other books that have been published by Stratus I've seen outside the very fine MMP works. The book looks at the early Spitfire and the Polish Air Force. As many know, the Polish AF tried to buy Spitfires in 1939, but the needs of the RAF came first and none were made available until it was too late. A crated aircraft (along with some Hurricanes and Battles) on the way in early September 1939 via a most circuitous route thanks to the German control of the Baltic. The Spitfire was eventually supplied to Turkey (since it was in the area anyway), and Poland never actually got her Spits.

However, Polish pilots did fly them and this is the story of those men and their machines.

The book itself is in English and superbly done. Each page has an excellent selection of photographs of the aircraft and most pages also include at least one color profile. As a real treat, there are a few period color photos. A section on surviving aircraft that have been flown by Polish pilots is also included, making this a most comprehensive and well researched book.

A Pdf file of those aircraft flown by Polish pilots can be downloaded separately at http://www.mmpbooks.biz/books/pw6/pw6.htm

I know that Spitfire enthusiasts and modelers alike will enjoy browsing through over and over again, as it truly is a superb reference on the subject. A book that I can recommend without reservation.

March 2007

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