This book, "Flags of the Third Reich" by Brian L Davis, covers the development of a selection of the flags used by the military as well as political organisations of the Third Reich.

The book is divided into three main parts:
Flags of the Wehrmacht
Flags of the Waffen-SS
Party and Police flags

The section on the flags of the Wehrmacht begins with three pages on basic flag terminology (I can't understand why this is not part of an introduction) that is very handy for those of us who are unfamiliar with the terms used in vexillology (the study of flags). This is followed by a history on the use of colours in the military following the German defeat in the First World War and how they once again began to be awarded. This text is accompanied by some very interesting photos showing the production of flags.

Next the basic emblems on the flags and standard and discussed: eagla, swastika, Iron Cross, and oak/laurel leaves. Following a information on regulations on how the flags were paraded and displayed the flags and standards of the Heer, Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe are discussed and a selection of them are illustrated with very nice colour illustrations.

The section on the Waffen-SS focuses to a large extent on the units made up of foreign volunteers, not only discussing their flags but also providing brief unit histories.

The section on Party and Police flags begins with a text on the origins of the swastika flag before discussing a selection of flags used by the NSDAP, SA, SS, Hitlerjugend, NSKK, NSFK, RAD, DAF, NSBO and Police.

This book is excellent for those interested in a reference book for use when identifying flags and what makes it extra useful for those not that familiar with the large amount of organisations in the Third Reich is the fact that brief descriptions/histories are included to the various organisations when their flags are discussed. It includes 24 pages with very good colour illustrations as well as a large amount of photos showing the flags in use.

The only thing I would like to have seen included is a detailed photo study of a particular flag, but that is only a small drawback.

It is of course important to understand that it is only a selection of flags that are included, but keeping that in mind this is a must have.

(Reviewed by Marcus Wendel)