Squadrons No. 81
The North American Mustang Mk.III

The Poles

Philedition

Reviewed by Brett Green

The North American Mustang Mk.III occupies a special place in the history of the RAF and Allied air operations over Europe. Combining the superb aerodynamic qualities of the Mustang airframe with the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, the Mk.III delivered exceptional range, speed and high-altitude performance. In the hands of Polish pilots serving with the RAF, the aircraft earned an enviable combat reputation during the closing stages of the Second World War.

Phileditions’ Squadrons! No. 81 – The North American Mustang Mk.III – The Poles focuses on this fascinating chapter of Mustang operations and presents it in the familiar, modeller-friendly format that has made the series so popular.

The sample is a hard-copy, soft cover publication of 50 pages. Digital version is also available.

The publication is heavily illustrated throughout, with wartime photographs forming the heart of the book. These images cover a wide range of operational aircraft flown by Polish squadrons and reveal a wealth of detail that will immediately appeal to aviation historians and scale modellers alike. The reproduction quality is generally very good, allowing close inspection of camouflage finishes, markings, weathering and field modifications.

One of the major attractions of this title is the sheer variety of individual aircraft markings on display. Polish Mustang squadrons often carried colourful nose art, distinctive squadron codes and personalised embellishments that make them particularly attractive modelling subjects. The book captures these details beautifully and provides plenty of inspiration for anyone planning a Mustang project.

The captions are concise but informative, offering useful historical context without overwhelming the visual presentation. Squadron histories, pilot anecdotes and operational notes are woven effectively throughout the volume, helping to bring the photographs to life. The text also highlights the contribution and sacrifices of Polish airmen serving under RAF command after the fall of Poland, adding an important human dimension to the subject.

The colour profile section is especially impressive. These artworks are sharply executed and cover a broad selection of aircraft from different Polish units. The profiles should prove invaluable when selecting camouflage schemes and markings, particularly given the subtle variations often seen between individual aircraft.

For modellers, this book is an excellent reference companion. The Mustang remains one of the most widely kitted aircraft subjects in all major scales, and the Mk.III is well represented by several modern releases. Details such as exhaust configurations, canopy styles, antenna arrangements, underwing stores and theatre markings are all clearly visible in the photographs, making the book genuinely useful at the workbench.

The layout is clean and uncluttered, maintaining the highly accessible style that has become a hallmark of the Squadrons! series. Although the book is not intended to be a definitive technical study of the Mustang Mk.III, it succeeds admirably as both a visual history and a practical modelling reference.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Thumbnail panels:

In summary, Squadrons! No. 81 – The North American Mustang Mk.III – The Poles is a worthwhile addition to the range. It combines strong photographic content, attractive colour artwork and an engaging historical focus into a compact and affordable package. For enthusiasts of the Mustang, RAF operations or Polish wartime aviation history, this title comes recommended.

Thanks to Philedition for the sample www.raf-in-combat.com 

Review Text & Images Copyright © 2026 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 26 May, 2026
Last updated 26 May, 2026

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page