USAAF Colours 2

American Eagles

P-38 Lightning Units 
of the 8th & 9th Air Forces

By Roger Freeman

Classic Publications

Reviewed by Dale Smith

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This book is the second publication by Classic Publications in the Four Volume series of the American Eagles in the European Theatre of Operation during the Second World War. Full details of the other volumns can be found at the 'Classic Publications' website at www.classic-books.co.uk

This volume is a great read in its own right. The text picks up the story with the arrival of the 1st FG flying the P-38F 'Lightning' and its build up to operational status within the 8th and 9th Air Forces with the normal associated problems with aircraft and crew.

I found the book to be more of a pictorial history reference than a purely reference style of publication. The sheer bulk of pictures makes American Eagles - USAAF Colours 2 a must-have for the ETO P-38 fan. 

Close ups of nose art abound and, in some instances, aircraft that are flown by one particular pilot are shown when the first, then the second, and in some instances the third aircraft is lost in action and a new airframe christened (ie I , II , III etc). Most pages contain either one or two coloured artworks by Chris Davey. These are very well done.

As the 8th and 9th Air Forces build-up continued in England, coverage of the new fighter groups is provided,with good reference made to their individual markings and squadron codes. 

Combat reports are supplied, as well as an individual aces section at the rear of the publication.

I found this book very interesting. The photos are first class and the colour artwork is well done and strategically placed throughout the book. 

"American Eagles - USAAF Colours 2" is an excellent reference source for modellers with P-38 kits stored in the cupboard. 

Recommended.

Many thanks to Classic Publications for supplying the review sample.