Dornier Do 17 Units of World War 2 (Combat Aircraft, 129)

The Dornier Do17 was originally developed as a fast commercial aircraft for mail delivery in the 1930's. The German government was quick to realize its possibilities, militarizing it into light bomber and reconnaissance variants for the Spanish Civil War. The Do17 would go on to see service deep into the Second World War, over Poland, France, the UK, the Balkans, and Russia. This Osprey Combat Aircraft Series book has the story.Author Chris Goss has clearly done extensive research. After an opening chapter explaining its development, the bulk of the narrative is devoted to the operational exploits of the Do17. That narrative is nicely supported with period photographs, plus the expected quality color plates of plane types. As noted, its units served around the European theater. This reviewer was struck by how vulnerable the Do17 became over time. Indeed, the author points out that not a single intact model appears to have survived the wartime period. Well recommended as a concise and readable introduction to the topic.

Dornier's Do 17 was a (failed) civilian airliner turned Luftwaffe light bomber/recce aircraft. With a bomb load of only 2,000 pounds and inadequate defensive armament, it was the weak sister of the Heinkel 111/Junkers 88 triumvirate. The Do 17 saw service in the Spanish Civil War, the Polish and French campaigns and the Battle of Britain. By the fall of 1942, it was a has-been. Its development and combat career are ably chronicled by Chris Goss in this Osprey COMBAT AIRCRAFT volume, #129 in the series. It benefits from great b&w w pix and Chris Davey's profiles. A good addition to the Osprey WWII library. Recommended.Sadly, Davey is retiring from the business. His color profiles were always a highlight of Osprey titles He will be missed.

Typically good, very well illustrated Osprey book, but I was surprised that the Dorniers of KG 100, which were used for launching missile attacks against shipping in the Mediterrenean were not mentioned, much less covered.

thank you

Sehr gut gemacht, informativ und übersichtlich

Good Product

Another great book from Chris Goss, he is by far the leading English-speaking historian for Luftwaffe aircraft and aircrew of World War II. This book also has some very good profile artwork of dozens of Do 17s from the Spanish Civil War through the Russian campaign.

The early part of the Second world air war always seems to fascinate me more.Especially covering the blitzkrieg era and the Battle of Britain.Excellent book.Great photos and plates.Well recommend.