This book, Hermann Göring: From Regiment to Fallschirmpanzerkorps, covers the development of the Hermann Göring (HG) units from their founding in Feb 1933 as Polizeiabteilung z.b.V. Wecke until it ended the war as Fallschirmpanzerkorps Hermann Göring. It briefly covers the actions of the police unit agains the communists and later its transfer into the Luftwaffe. The development of the HG units during the was is covered in the detail with many Order of Battles from different points during it's existance. Only small parts of HG took part in the fighting in Poland, Denmark & Norway and These campaigns are dealt with only briefly, as are the fighting in France. Its fighting on the Eastern front, in Africa and Italy is covered in some detail with the rescuing of the treasures from the Monte Cassino Monastery given special attention.

There is a 60 page section dealing in detail with the uniforms and insignia of the HG units. The uniforms during the "police era", ie before it was transferred to the Luftwaffe, is not covered in detail as one might have hoped but that it hardly surprising considering the general lack of detailed information on the police units. The information on the "Luftwaffe era" is all the more detailed with information on the development of the uniforms, the cuff-titles and the various special uniforms (tropical, panzer, winter, camouflage etc). Also covered in this section is a selection of Luftwaffe War Badges, the identification tags, paybooks and rank insignia.

The music corps of the HG units are also covered in some detail with info on the history and special insignia of the men.
The soldiers (and former soldiers) of the HG units who were awarded the Knight's Cross is also listed with rank, sub-unit and date of the award.
The various vehicle identification markings used by the HG units (including all sub-units) and how they changed during the war are also covered in the book.

The standard, flags and pennants used by the HG units and sub-units are covered in a detailed section. This section is something that I (who have a special interest in the flags of the era) find very interesting. I do find the lack of photos of the flags somewhat disapointing, but the drawings of the flags are numerous and excellent.

In addition to all the great photos through out the book, it ends with a 15 page photo section with interesting photos of the HG units on parade and Hermann Göring visisting and training with "his" troops etc.

If you are interested in the development, uniforms and actions of the Hermann Göring units, this excellent book is the one to buy however if you are looking for a detailed combat history of the HG units, you should try The History of the Fallschirmpanzerkorps Hermann Göring by Franz Kurowski.

(Reviewed by Marcus Wendel)