I received Volume 2 of 'Luftwaffe Crash Archive' today, and I'm happy to report that it's another excellent book in this new series, with 256 pages packed with photos, some in colour this time, as well as profiles, sketches and maps.
In my review of Volume 1, I mentioned the lack of a Glossary, and explanation of some of the abbreviations in the A.I(g) crash reports, and I'm pleased to see that this has now been addressed, and a full Glossary is included in the back of the book, although there are one or two minor descriptive errors, which I will contact the publishers about.
I was slightly disappointed to see some more serious errors concerning the descriptive text for some of the photographs, especially those of the well-known Dornier at Leaves Green, following the attack on Kenley on August 18th, 1940, and the piece covering the Dornier recovered from Goodwin Sands just two weeks ago, where the entire crew are shown as having survived, and no mention is made of the discovery and eventual recovery of the aircraft.
As full information concerning this aircraft, and its crew, has been published by the RAF Museum, and included in BBC News articles, it's a shame that this error has occurred, but this, and the other small issues in no way affect the overall quality and impact of this volume which, even if viewed separately from the intended full series, provides a valuable and important record of the hardest weeks of the Battle of Britain, from 15th to 29th August, 1940
This fact is reflected in the period covered within the 256 pages - just two weeks - and shows the large amount of enemy aircraft brought down, on land, and off shore, in that short period.
Again, I intend to respectfully contact the publishers regarding the errorrs mentioned.
Volume 3 is due for release in September, covering the period between 30th August and 14th September 1940, and is advertised as having 'Full colour throughout'.
At a retail price of £25 per volume (£20 direct from the publisher), they are not particularly cheap, but, with publication spread out, with three months between volumes, I believe this is a convenient and affordable way of collecting part or all of the planned series of volumes.
Again, highly recommended.