Honour Restored

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.

PETER BROWN joined the RAF in 1938 and was posted to 611 'West Lancashire' Squadron with Spitfires in 12 Group, initially at Duxford and then Digby. He was at readiness throughout the Battle of Britain, including with the controversial Duxford 'Big Wing' on 15 September, when the Luftwaffe's morale was broken and then in late September with 41 Squadron at Hornchurch where the fiercest fighting with the highest casualties took place. He was awarded the Air Force Cross for his service. Having flown in both 11 and 12 Groups during the Battle of Britain, his knowledge of the subject is second to none.