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by James S. Corum.
Softcover (7.25×9.75 inches). 96 pages. 2025.
Subtitle: The First Great Clash of World War II Airpower
The analysis of the disparity between German and Allied tactics and operations helps us to understand how France fell so quickly.
The sheer ineptitude of French logistical support stands out. France only had 30% of the NCO mechanics needed to service the air force. Hundreds of US-supplied Curtis Hawk fighters sat idle because manpower could not be spared to fit out factory-new aircraft with machine guns and the like. Ditto for bombsights and bombers. The main reason was that civilian junior air mechanics made more money (p24-25).
The campaign covers support for the initial German advance, disastrous Allied bombing efforts, Dunkirk evacuation success, and the final push against the rest of France.
The booklet contains 60 black and white photos, two color photos, seven color maps, and three color two-page action illustrations.
This reads well, conveying information with a pleasant chronological account of the Allied shortcomings and German success.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
