SPAD VII vs Albatros D III: 1917-18
by Jon Guttman Paperback: 80 pages Publisher: Osprey Publishing (April 19, 2011) Language: English ISBN-10: 1849084750 ISBN-13: 978-1849084758 Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds

Osprey's popular Duel series continues comparing classic combatants of WW I aircraft. Among the most frequent aerial antagonists were the SPAD VII and the Albatros D.V, ultimate of the famous "Vee Strutter" fighters. Both entered service in late 1916.

Jon Guttman describes the development of both designs, tracing each factory's progression through early models. In examining the SPAD and D.III, the author notes how the design differences exerted themselves in combat. For instance, the Albatros' sesquiplane design led to well-known structural problems, and the SPAD's single machine gun often gave trouble.

Because the French design was faster and climbed better with the 180-hp Hispano engine, allied pilots often enjoyed an advantage over the V strutters. However, the results in the win-loss column favor the German type, which handily outshot Western Front SPAD VIIs but the Italians did notably better, even against the Austrian Oeffag versions, best of all Albatros D.III types.

Considering how often the two types clashed, the leading victors in each service showed surprisingly few wins. Only Ltn Heinrich Kroll of J.9 "made ace" against SPAD VIIs while the top French and Italian scorers each claimed three D.IIIs. The leading British SPAD pilot, William Cochran-Patrick, was credited with 11 D.IIIs but six were "moral" victories.

As with all Duel volumes, this one features helpful maps, rare photos and superb artwork. Five Stars.

Reviewed by Barrett Tillman