World War II
Combat Aircraft Photo Archives No. 03

Dornier Do 17 E-Z
Do 215 B

AirDOC

Reviewed by Brett Green

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At the time of its introduction in 1936, the Dornier Do 17 E was a very modern and fast medium bomber. The initial version was followed into production by Do 17 M and P. The "Flying Pencil" received further development as a result of combat experience over Spain, resulting in the improved Do 17 Z.

The Dornier Do 217 was still a significant part of the Luftwaffe's bomber force at the time of the Battle of Britain. The Do 17 was mauled during this campaign, with massive losses and an inability to complete their assigned missions.

The Dornier Do 215 was initially conceived as an export alternative to the Do 17, but the onset of war changed these plans. The Do 215 was developed as a bomber, reconnaissance aircraft and night fighter.

Although not exactly a resounding success, the Dornier bomber family was a very significant part of the Luftwaffe bomber arm. This significance has not been recognised in injection-moulded plastic, however, with only the inaccurate Hobbycraft kits in 1/48 scale and the very old Airfix, Monogram and Frog examples in 1/72.

Over the last five years or more, AirDOC has very effectively documented modern Luftwaffe types in addition to NATO allies over Germany. AirDOC now turns its attention to the wartime Luftwaffe. "Dornier Do 17 E-Z Do 215 B - The Flying Pencil in Luftwaffe Service" by Manfred Greihl is the third in their WWII series.

The book commences with a bilingual text summary of development, production, technical description of the Dornier Do 17 and 215 and a operational history. This opening section also includes a table listing the main  sub-variants, their roles and powerplants.

The focus of this title, however, is the wartime photos. These are well reproduced and pleasingly large with plenty of useful detail on display. I have not seen many of these photos published elsewhere either. All photos are accompanied by useful captions in both German and English.

Even more interest is added to the book via 13 colour profiles. One of these illustrations includes four-views showing camouflage and markings on both sides, top and bottom. The schemes are many and varied, demonstrating that even the early bomber variants wore many more interesting colours than simple 70/71 Greens.

"Dornier Do 17 E-Z Do 215 B - The Flying Pencil in Luftwaffe Service" is an excellent modeller's reference for this famous Luftwaffe bomber. Now, if only somebody would offer a decent injection-moulded kit!

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to AirDOC Publications for the review sample

AirDOC Publications may be viewed and purchased online from their website

Review Copyright © 2006 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 10 August, 2006
Last updated 09 August, 2006

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