Russian Aviation Colours 1909-1922: Camouflage and Markings, Vol. 4 Against Soviets
By Marat Khairulin.
Moscow, Russia: MMPBooks, 2019.
12” x 8” Hardbound
313 Diagrams, Illustrations & Photographs. Footnotes.
Pp.128. $53.00
ISBN-10: 9788365281982
Language: English
This, the fourth and final volume in a series covering Russian military aviation from 1909 until 1922, provides some of the finest particulars on the topic yet to date. The content of this volume deals with the period from 1918-1922, the most tumultuous period in 20th century Russian history. The internal strife catapulted the nation into a multifactional civil war; coupled with the international interventionist forces who were backing a variety of alliances and individuals. There were no shortage of disparate groups at war. This created a host of regional conflicts throughout the former Empire. These ranged from the European Russian region to the far flung North and Far East expanses of Russia.
Marat Khairulin has provided a glimpse, not only of the vast array of forces in this conflict, but also the nature of their aviation assets. From their research in the various government archives as well as private collections they have produced a volume that finally shows the scope of aircraft used during this turbulent period. The book provides the reader with information on the wide array of groups involved in the conflict, along with their particular aircraft identification markings. Additionally, instances of personal emblems are shown. Interestingly, by this time a great many late war aircraft from both Germany and England and France made their way to Russia and were used by all the combatant groups. There are, though, instances where Russian designs became a particular resource that was unique to the conflict, specifically the Grigorovich flying boats, which were used on the vast riverways throughout the country.
As with the previous three volumes this one contains a profusion of color drawings together with a large collection of photographs, most which are previously unpublished. The work offers a prodigious amount visual information for researchers and anyone interested in this period of aviation. The series as a whole is unique and provides a great deal of important historical information. It should be viewed as a major contribution to the subject of early Russian military aviation.
Carl J. Bobrow/Museum Specialist/National Air and Space Museum
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