The latest work of Steven J. Zaloga, V-2 Ballistic Missile 1942-1952 takes the reader through the history of the worlds first ballistic missile-the German V-2 Rocket. Topics of discussion include rocket development, missile unit organization and operations, V-2 in retrospect and post-war development of missile designs based on the V-2 by the United States, Russia and China. While not drowning the reader with technical details of the V-2’s development, Mr. Zaloga does provide considerable detail on the operational aspect of missile units.

What's the book about?

V-2 Ballistic Missile 1942-1952 is from the New Vanguard series of books from Osprey Publications. The New Vanguard series focuses on mechanical innovations of land and sea warfare. Each book examines the history, design and deployment of the subject. V-2 Ballistic Missile 1942-1952 excels in this role. A great history of the design and history of the V-2 is presented from the early A-1 to post-war testing and design. Drawing upon an extensive list of references, Mr. Zaloga delves into the operational use of the V-2 and the people and units associated with its employment. I consider this operational history of the V-2, the highlight of the book. The author has gone into painstaking detail to list key personnel, locations and dates in order to provide the reader with a logical employment schedule of the V-2. For those interested in how the RAF dealt with the V-2, that’s covered as well. Well done.

Who's it for?

A history buff looking to further their knowledge on a key technological development will enjoy this book. Someone hoping to use the book from a modeling perspective may be disappointed. While there are black and white photographs of rockets, support equipment and launch facilities that can be used as references if your building a V-2 kit, there are no lists or comparisons of V-2 kits.

What's in it?

There's a good bit of information in this 48 page book. The first eleven pages discuss the early development and history of the V-2 including manufacturing, testing and employment. Missile Unit Organization follows where Mr. Zaloga details the units used to launch the V-2 and the equipment used to service the rocket. Quite a bit of material is devoted to Operation Penquin-the first operational use of the A-4 rocket. Closing out the book are chapters on final missile designs, V-2 in retrospect and V-2 post-war testing and development.Color plates illustrated by Robert Calow occupy the center eight pages of the book and are well done. They are: Early German Test Rockets, Wizernes Missile Bunker, Test and Camouflage paint schemes, a labeled cross-sectional drawing, Flame and Jagged Camouflage paint schemes, mobile launch site and Feuerleitpanzer Fire Control Vehicle.A detailed bibliography and color plate commentary round out the book.

Conclusion

I enjoyed this book and agree with the conclusions of Mr. Zaloga when he looks at the V-2 in retrospect. The design and operational history presented by Mr. Zaloga is great reading and well presented. The numerous pictures and drawings compliment the text well. Anyone interested in WWII history will enjoy reading this book.

Recommended.

Thanks to Osprey Publishing and MBI Publishing for this review sample.