The Battle of Britain was won in 1940 by the squadrons of Fighter Command under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Dowding who was given no public honour or recognition for this great achievement in saving Britain from Nazi invasion and occupation - here now is a searching and advanced review which justifies Dowding's place of honour in British history.
This book is written by a Spitfire pilot who served at readiness and in combat throughout the Battle of Britain in day fighter squadrons. His personal observations of the war during 1939 and 1940 combined with many years of research has produced a penetrating review of the Battle with many of the old myths dispelled.
The author tells of the sacrifices of the people of Britain, the great courage and tenacity of our young fighter pilots, always outnumbered by the Liftwaffe bombers and fighters. He courageously exposes and shames the appalling behaviour of the Air Ministry cabal of senior officers who attacked and dishonoured Dowding at this time of great crisis in our history.
Questions such as: who controlled the Battle? was it Reichsmarschall Goering or the weather? was there really a Big Wing Philosophy or was it just a Big Wing myth? why were WWI night fighting tactics for slow flying biplanes introduced by the Air Ministry in 1940 as a defence over London against fast flying modern Luftwaffe bombers? why was there a cabal and who were the members, plus many more, are discussed?
This is a book telling of honour restored to the people of Britain, our fighter pilots, and Air Chief Marshal Dowding - sadly it also tells of dishonour.
At the outbreak of the second World War, Air Chief Marshall Dowding was Commander-in-Chief of RAF Fighter Command, which had been set up three years earlier to protect Britain against attacks from the air and the threat of invasion. London was subjected to extensive night bombing for several months. However, our fighter squadrons and defence systems enabled us to maintain master of the air. The Battle of Britain ended in 1940 and our island was never again under the threat of invasion.
Peter Brown, former Battle of Britain Spitfire pilot, presents a vivid account of Britain under the threat of invasion, reminding us of the bravery of our fighter pilots and the courage of the people of Britain who endured the hardships of war and terror bombing from the air. Through personal experience and years of meticulous research Peter offers a careful analysis of the battle and the tactics involved, vigorously defending Dowding's command and exposing the conspiracy of senior officers that saw him removed from office without due recognition for his achievement.
