by Csaba B. Stenge.
Softcover (8.3×11.7 inches). 84 pages. 2026.
Subtitle: Revised and Expanded Edition
Subtitle: The First Combat Experiences of the Royal Hungarian Air Force and Slovak Air Force, March 1939
I’m not sure what was revised and expanded for there is no specific explanation, but the war between Hungary and Slovakia just before WWII is a little known conflict — or at least to me.
Two days of dogfighting, bombing, and strafing by Hungary helped recover parts of Carpathia that had been taken away after WWI. Neither air force was particularly numerous or overwhelming, although Hungary had the edge. For the most part, Slovak Avia and Letov aircraft faced off against Hungarian Fiats and Junkers. Some interesting scenarios with biplane and monoplane aircraft can be pulled from the pages. It’ll be something different than the usual early war ME-109s and 110s vs Hurricanes and Spitfires.
Some aircraft were shot down, others damaged, and many lost to accidents. The combat descriptions are quite extensive — a nice bonus given that few aerial combats occurred. Lots of pilot mini-bios are included that often carry through WWII and into the Cold War.
The book contains 148 black and white photos, three color photos, one black and white map, one black and white illustration, and 12 color camouflage aircraft profiles.
I’ve often noted that there’s nothing new like history and I’m starting to understand more about post-WWI low-level conflicts and jockeying that continued up to WWII. Here’s one volume that highlights the aerial combats of one of these border wars.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
