Honour Restored: The Battle of Britain, Dowding And the Fight for Freedom

by Peter Brown

Peter Brown, a Spitfire pilot at readiness throughout the Battle of Britain, who has previously in lectures, seminars and television interviews, expressed his own challenging views on the Battle, has now written a book mainly directed at the generations who have no memories or knowledge of the momentous events of 1940. His words remind us of the great achievement of victory and its crucial impact on our lives today, and on all the European countries which were ultimately saved. He writes with a still vivid memory of the threat of invasion, with the addition of the research he has now been able to carry out for many years on official documents, and with acknowledged help from authors of standing.
The book is divided into two parts. There is a presentation of the Battle over the skies of Britain in 1940, a battle without precedent and in which Peter encountered combat-hardened Luftwaffe pilots in Messerschmitts, Heinkels and Dorniers. There is recognition of the bravery of our fighter pilots and the courage of the people of Britain who endured the hardships of war and the terror bombing from the air. The second part gives an analysis of the factors which determined victory, with finally a vigorous defence of Dowding himself, who was unjustly and peremptorily removed from office without due recognition for his great achievement.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2004

About the author

Peter Brown joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1938. He was flying Spitfires in 1940 with 611 ‘West Lancashire’ Squadron during the Dunkirk evacuation and continued in action over Southern England during the Battle of Britain, later joining 41 Squadron before being rested in mid-1941 to become a flying instructor.

With a credited score of three and one shared enemy aircraft destroyed, Peter had numerous flying establishment appointments through the remainder of the war including teaching Turkish pilots to fly Spitfires. Released from the RAF in late 1945 with the rank of Squadron Leader, he was awarded an Air Force Cross.

In civilian life, Peter pursued a successful career in the plastics industry and after retirement worked as a healer in the care of cancer patients. He also undertook extensive research into elements of the Battle of Britain, especially the ‘Big Wing’ controversy, culminating in the release of his book titled ‘Honour Restored’.

Brown passed away on January 20, 2011. He was 91 years old.

Reviews

[Brian Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

With “Honour Restored: The Battle of Britain, Dowding and the Fight for Freedom,” Air Chief Marshall Hugh Dowding, finally has his bulldog in the form of author Peter Brown. This book is a compelling read for anyone familiar with the history of the battle. It provides a vigorous defense of Dowding and Keith Park, 11 Group Commander, explaining Brown’s view as to why those men were not sufficiently honored for defeating the Luftwaffe’s attempt to gain air superiority over England in 1940. Brown also has much to say about the role of weather in the battle plus a valuable analysis of the “big wing” tactical initiative. For all its merits, this is not a good first book on the Battle of Britain. It’s much better for the reader already familiar with the events and some of the controversy surrounding how the battle was fought.