op vliegtuigen van de Nederlandse Strijdkrachten English
Authors: J.H.N. Greuter, M.T.A. Schep, L.H. Boerman, J.M. Bossong
Publisher: BV Bonneville
ISBN: 90-73304-57-1
Published: 1997
Pages: 281
Price: around 90,00 – 150,00 euro. (out of print)
I reviewed earlier the
"KNIL bible" The History of Camouflage and Characteristics on
Aircraft of Military Aviation of the Royal Netherlands Indies Army, a mouthful
but also a book full.
After purchasing this book, I started looking for the predecessor, even if that
was not known when it was published. That was not easy and cost me 120 euros on
Marktplaats (the Dutch Ebay), but after all it is "out of print".
Rightly priced or not this book does bring a huge amount of material. I'm glad
I bought it.
In 6 chapters, the writers go
through all parts of Dutch aviation history with a large number of appendices.
A large number of sub-chapters expose even more of the history, but also paint
schemes, camouflage, characteristics, inscriptions and what goes with it, and
very extensive. Why did the Fokker D-21 have orange triangles, but also
roundels, it is all explained in detail with royal decrees and all. Of course,
the ML-KNIL is also discussed in detail here. There is no shortage of photos
including a lot of color, well-known but also a lot of then unknown. In
addition to many simple but handy schematic drawings, the book also contains a
selection of color views by Johan Greuter and Luuk Boerman, the latter also
took care of a large part of the layout. The title of the book says it all,
elaborated in depth and in color discussed are roundels, flags, squadron tires,
features inscriptions, squadron badges, and much more with the correct
dimensions. The appendices also contain a wealth of extra information including
additional drawings!
I should have bought the book right at the time of publication then I would
have saved money, but I am glad that I was still able to buy it. For model
builders with the "specialization" of Dutch aviation a must. Being
able to buy it at a reasonable price is a challenge It would be great if there
is a reissue, part 2 or whatever updated to the present time, also with the now
newly available material.
Highly recommended if you can still find it!