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Doras of the Galland Circus by
Jerry Crandall
Reviewed by Brett Green
I've often hoped for a book, or series of books, that would be a one-stop reference for my favourite aircraft. "Doras of the Galland Circus" fits this bill for four of the most colourful German aircraft of World War two. The protection flight for General Adolf Galland's Jet Unit, JV44, included four Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-9s with unique markings. These markings comprised a yellow forward spinner cap, irregular white stripes on red undersurfaces, a distinctive unit emblem, a written slogan on the fuselage side and white-outlined red aircraft numbers. These garish markings led to the unit now being referred to as the papgeienstaffel (parrot squadron). "Dora's of the Galland Circus" describes the men and machines of JV44's Dora 9s. More than 50 photographs are contained in the book's 72 pages. Most of the photos are new to me, and really do add to the sum of information about these aircraft. Three of the subject aircraft have been seen in various publications over the last decade but one aircraft, Red 3, is based on new photographs revealed for the first time in this book. Jerry Crandall's writing style is economical and thoroughly readable. He describes the pilots, the tactics and the colours of these fascinating aircraft in detail. The artwork by Tom Tullis is a real highlight. Two of the aircraft are covered with four large colour profiles, while two are depicted in three views. Scrap views serve to further illustrate the details of the Doras. Each aircraft also receives a single-page "Color Reference Chart" summarising the unique attributes of the selected subject. I pariclularly liked the inclusion of additional chapters on Airnring Airfield, other aircraft operated at the airfield and a few pages on helicopter operations during the closing days of the war. Modellers' will appreciate the release of EagleCals' EC#14 in 1/72 and 1/48 scale covering all four aircraft depicted in the book. The decal sheet is also reviewed here on HyperScale. This is a true one-stop reference for the Doras of the Galland Circus. Highly recommended to modellers and Luftwaffe enthusiasts alike. "Doras of the Galland Circus" is available from Eagle Editions Website or Hobby and Book Retailers. Thanks to Judy at Eagle Editions for the sample. Review Copyright © 1999 by Brett
Green
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