Bernád, Dénes Bulgarian Fighter Colours 1919-1948. Volume 2

Bulgaria is arguably the historically most underrated Axis ally that actually fought the Allies during World War 2. Despite remaining outside the main battleground of the war, the Eastern Front, this Balkan country did take its fair share of warfare, particularly due to the combat activity of its fighter air force against the armada of US bombers and their fighter escorts, in 1943 and 1944. Then, following an about-face in early September 1944, the Bulgarians combatted their former ally, the Germans. This notable air activity is largely unknown outside Bulgaria, and is not very much popularized even within the country, despite fully deserving the utmost attention.This two-volume book describes and illustrates all the fighter and fighter trainer aircraft used by the Bulgarian armed forces before, during, and shortly after WW 2. These aircraft were procured from the following countries: Germany, Poland and Czechoslovakia. Emphasis is placed on the most potent German fighter types, the Messerschmitt Bf 109E and G, as well as the top-notch fighter type of France, the Dewoitine D.520. However, rare, exotic models, including the sole locally built prototype that fits the definition, the DAR-5, are also included. The camouflage and markings, as well as the military coding system of these large variety of aircraft types are described in great details. Fully illustrated with many rare photos, most of them seen for the first time in print. Mutinously detailed colour profiles of many representative aircraft type are included as well. Summing up, this lavishly illustrated, full-colour two-volume book, spanning across over 600 pages, is the reference work of the fighter and fighter trainer aircraft, as well as the pilots who flew for the Royal Bulgarian Air Force prior to, during, and shortly after World War 2.

These aircraft came from the following countries: Germany, Poland and Czechoslovakia. The focus is on the two most important and combat-strongest German fighter types, the Messerschmitt Bf 109E and G, as well as the first-class French Dewoitine D.520 fighter. Rare, exotic models, including the only locally built fighter prototype, the DAR-5, are also included. The different paint schemes and markings, as well as the military coding system of the various fighter types used by the Bulgarians are described in great detail. The work is fully illustrated with many rare photographs, most of which are seen in print for the first time, and colour aircraft profiles. Both volumes together comprise more than 600 pages, are richly illustrated with photos and colour aircraft profiles and thus form a successful reference work on the fighter aircraft of the Bulgarian Air Force in World War II and their activities shortly before, during and shortly after the war.