Avia Dossier | AviaDossier 1: Canadian Aircraft of WW II

Reviewed by Mark Proulx

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Aviaeology has just embarked upon a new series of books providing a detailed look at various related aircraft and the roles they played during peace and wartime. Entitled the AviaDossier series, this promising new collection of books will be packed with photos, profiles and detailed text. The first in the series is titled Canadian Aircraft of WW II. The author, Carl Vincent, details the history of a wide cross-section of aircraft operated by Canada during the Allied war effort.

The quality of this release is superb. It is printed on thick, glossy paper in a landscape format. The printing is flawless with all photos and color profiles free from distortion.

The book begins with a foreword by Canadian Second World War Ace W/C JF "Stocky" Edwards. In subsequent chapters the author provides basic background and historical development of many Canadian aircraft used both at home and abroad. The following aircraft, each in various services, are examined in detail:

Carl enlightens us with his years of experience studying RCAF and Canadian aviation history in general. Nineteen aircraft are explored, both famous and infamous. By adopting this format, a look at such less glamorous aircraft as the Fleet Fort or Lockheed Delta can be accomplished, as a stand alone publication may not be financially viable. He discusses each types broader history with an obvious slant to its Canadian operations and eventually focuses on the specific subject aircraft. Where necessary, he refutes some of the previously accepted facts.

There are 70+ photos included, four in color. Many of the photographs are seen here for the first time. They represent a lifetime of photo collecting by the author from many sources.

To help bring the B&W photos to life, Terry Higgins provides his spectacular color profiles to this work. There are 45 profiles in all. Various phases of flight are profiled throughout with some aircraft posed on the ground and others in flight. Each profile is further detailed including complete color and marking notes. As an example, this review also includes the chapter on the North American Mustang I Recce Fighter (note: watermark does not appear in this book and is used here to protect the author and artist).

An appendix of color maps is also included. The maps detail RCAF Home War Establishment and BCATP airfields discussed in the book. Additional maps provide European airfield locations and Atlantic U-boat encounters, also discussed within.

At a MSRP of $29.95, this book represents real value for your hard-earned dollar. To anyone interested in the aircraft of the Second World War, or more specifically the role Canada played in that conflict, this book is a must for your library. It is currently available directly from Aviaeology at sales@aviaeology.com. Within a few weeks it will also be available at their website at www.aviaeology.com or eBay store. It will soon be available from many model/aviation booksellers worldwide.

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© Mark Proulx

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This review was published on Saturday, July 02 2011; Last modified on Wednesday, May 18 2016