GC 1/55: La Derniere Garde Gouvernementale by Matthieu Comas
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Book Review
This new soft-back title is in an A4 format and contains 198 pages, combined with a mass of period images and modern colour side profiles. As the title states, this is a history of a unit, in this case GC 1/55 and its operations in the May-June 1940 period based at Etampes, Villacoublay, Tours, Avord and Bordeux. Although the title only lists the Arsenal VG 33 and Morane MS 410 the title also covers the MS 406, MB 152, CR.714 and, in slightly less depth things like the C.445 and Potex 63.11.
The text is in French throughout, including photo and profile captions, with each section covering a specific time period. The coverage is very detailed, with the fates of each aircraft the unit operated listed, coupled with period images of that aircraft and sometimes a colour side profile. Single or double-page spreads are shown in each section giving a colour side profile of every aircraft the unit operated at that time. There are very nice sections giving detailed interior coverage of the VG 33 and MS.410, which is of great interest and use to the modeller, but you also have a wealth of visual information on the other types as well, including German testing of the VG 33 after capture.
Conclusion
This is an excellent title, covering the operational history of a unit as well as the personal aspects of all those involved, The depth of information is limited only by the French text, but the pictures are well worth it on their own, so it is highly recommended to all French aviation fans.
Our thanks to Lela Presse for the review sample, this should be available from specialist outlets in the UK, but if you have any problems visit their website www.avions-bateaux.com or email contact@avions-bateaux.com.
This new soft-back title is in an A4 format and contains 198 pages, combined with a mass of period images and modern colour side profiles. As the title states, this is a history of a unit, in this case GC 1/55 and its operations in the May-June 1940 period based at Etampes, Villacoublay, Tours, Avord and Bordeux. Although the title only lists the Arsenal VG 33 and Morane MS 410 the title also covers the MS 406, MB 152, CR.714 and, in slightly less depth things like the C.445 and Potex 63.11.
The text is in French throughout, including photo and profile captions, with each section covering a specific time period. The coverage is very detailed, with the fates of each aircraft the unit operated listed, coupled with period images of that aircraft and sometimes a colour side profile. Single or double-page spreads are shown in each section giving a colour side profile of every aircraft the unit operated at that time. There are very nice sections giving detailed interior coverage of the VG 33 and MS.410, which is of great interest and use to the modeller, but you also have a wealth of visual information on the other types as well, including German testing of the VG 33 after capture.
Conclusion
This is an excellent title, covering the operational history of a unit as well as the personal aspects of all those involved, The depth of information is limited only by the French text, but the pictures are well worth it on their own, so it is highly recommended to all French aviation fans.
Our thanks to Lela Presse for the review sample, this should be available from specialist outlets in the UK, but if you have any problems visit their website www.avions-bateaux.com or email contact@avions-bateaux.com.
