“LUFTWAFFE CAMOUFLAGE AND MARKINGS 1933 – 1945 Volume Two” is a book that concludes this exhaustive reference work with in-depth studies of the colors and markings of Luftwaffe bombers (Dornier, Heinkel, and Junkers), ground attack [...]

This work forms an important and long-awaited study on Luftwaffe camouflage and markings written by one of the world’s leading authorities and it can be regarded as the most definitive research to date on this extremely popular subject.

The debate over Luftwaffe paint, camouflage schemes and markings has raged for many years and is an issue of high interest amongst aviation enthusiasts and model builders.

K.A. Merrick has drawn information from hundreds of original German and Allied documents and photographs. He has also received co-operation from many leading aviation historians to produce this remarkable and highly- detailed two volume work.

Volume One commences with a technical and historical background to the German paint manufacturing industry and colour interpretation, together with an overview of German factory standards. A major part of this volume deals with official camouflage patterns of all main Luftwaffe aircraft types.

Also covered is a highly detailed study of the colours and markings of Luftwaffe day fighters including the legendary Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Focke-Wulf Fw 190 ’workhorses’, the Messerschmitt Bf 110, Me 210 and Me 410 ’destroyers’ and ’heavy fighters’ and the Messerschmitt Me 163, Me 262 and He 162 rocket and jet-powered interceptors in all theatres of war.

There are also appendices and the text is supported by hundreds of photographs - many in colour including images of how paints were applied, masking methods, equipment and coding practices as used and adopted by all German units and aviation arms.

Volume Two concludes this exhaustive work of reference with in-depth analysis of the four and five character code systems, fighter, ground-attack, tactical and special purpose markings. Also covered are the colours and markings of the Luftwaffe’s bomber force, its dive-bomber and ground-attack aircraft, night fighters, maritime and anti-shipping aircraft, commercial aircraft, military transports and reconnaissance machines as well as training, liaison and light aircraft.

There are detailed appendices on paint technology, external stores, maintenance and safety markings, Werknummern and national markings.

As with Volume One, the text is supported by hundreds of photographs.

To support this study, both volumes each contain unique colour cards with exact copies of the colour chips made from original paint formulas as prepared for the German Air Ministry.

 

A. Merrick is the author of a number of acclaimed reference works on historic aviation including Luftwaffe Camouflage and Markings 1935-1945, German Aircraft Markings 1939-1945, The Official Monogram Painting Guide to German Aircraft 1935-1945 and German Aircraft Interiors 1935-1945 Volume One.