When the Dornier 17 was demonstrated at the Zürich International Military Aircraft Competition in July 1937, it outperformed most of the European fighters of the day. It was fast and agile and already in secret production as both a bomber and a reconnaissance aircraft for the Luftwaffe. At the outbreak of war in September 1939, the 'Flying Pencil' was first into action and served with distinction throughout the Blitzkrieg. The Battle of Britain however saw a rapid decline in its fortunes as the next generation of fighters exposed its weaknesses and by 1942 only the reconnaissance versions were operating in any real numbers.

With over 200 original wartime photos and 12 colour profiles, this book records the operational history of the Luftwaffe's faithful but often overlooked Fliegende Bleistift.