Hawker Hurricane, Fury & Hind - The Yugoslav Story 1931-1941

[vvkj41]

Hi Guys,

It's good to know that there are some of you still interested in rare topics like Royal Yugoslav Army Air Force! Thanks for all of your comments. I really appreciate it very much!
And here is the Stig's Review (thanks again for your time & good will to help!):

I was very honored when my good Serbian friend Alexandar Ognjevic sent me a review copy of his latest production about Hawker aircraft in Yugoslavia. (Hawker - The Yugoslav Story)

I admit, hands down, I am biased since the book contains an unbeatable combination of interests to me, British aircraft, exotic use and we are all brought back to the 1930s and 40s again. Admittedly the 20th Century was the most troublesome era in Europe’s violent history and in spite of my fascination of it, I truly wish Europe will never see anything like it ever again.

As usual Alex has left no stones unturned when roaming through available files still remaining in archives today or called upon good friends in the former Republic to establish new facts. I admit I was fascinated from the start, but then again I am deeply fascinated in all aviation history originating from the Balkan area.

In the book we can closely follow the three aircraft types and with the beginning of the April war also follow those remaining in use in a day-by-day history, unit-by-unit. Alex has also tried to establish who were the individuals/units these Yugoslavian fighter pilots met in combat. Even their enemies get faces. We also learn a bit about the politics behind the aircraft procurement and the turbulence surrounding decisions made.

We also get closer to individuals either making these decisions and those who tried to undermine them. We also get to know many of those who flew the various types. What I use to call the enemy within was ever present in Yugoslavia, both before, during and after WW 2. That in itself – here set in an aviation historical context – should be a clear warning to all politicians, DON’T do such mistakes again.

Unfortunately too little detailed information of each individual aircraft has survived to make any valid historical listings possible (I like lists) but it is a very good read anyway. Every serial number known together with their fates are there.

For the modeler the skilful drawings by Dragan Šaler can be viewed at the end. Even I, not very interesting in the actual paintings of aircraft, can enjoy his expertise!

In short, try it, you will not be disappointed. Together with plenty of photographs and charts we get a wonderful combination of facts and pictures. If you are a Hawker aficionado – just buy it!!

If you are not, buy it anyway since you will certainly learn something from it.

Stig Jarlevik

Air Britain member 09564
Goeteborg, September 2019