The Battle of Britain

by Richard Townshend Bickers

This unique volume tells the full story of the greatest air battle in history, a battle that decisively shaped the eventual outcome of the Second World War. A team of distinguished authors and historians describe the events leading up to the Luftwaffe's air assault on Great Britain, and the history, structure and equipment of both contending air forces. The full course of the evolving air campaign is described in detail, with the actions of several key days selected for exhaustive coverage. The individual exploits of RAF aces are covered, as well as a full listing of RAF Fighter Command aircrew. Particular emphasis in this tense narrative is placed on just how narrow was the margin of victory.

Genres: History, Military Fiction, World War II, Nonfiction

220 pages, Hardcover

First published April 19, 1990

About the author

Richard Leslie Townshend Bickers has written more books about the RAF and its predecessor, the RFC, than any other author past or present - some under a pseudonym. Being multilingual, he does his own research in foreign archives and by interviews and correspondence. His short stories and newspaper articles were first published and broadcast while he was a serving RAF officer. By the time he left the RAF his first four novels had appeared. His biography of his friend "Ginger" Lacey, the top-scoring pilot in the Battle of Britain, was published to acclaim in 1962.Bickers volunteered for the RAF on the outbreak of war and served, with a Permanent Commission, for eighteen years. In England he operated with Fighter and Coastal Commands; in North Africa and Italy with Desert Air Force and Mediterranean Allied Coastal Air Force. After the war he did a tour in Hong Kong and Malaya.

Reviews

[Sean Seger]

This book was one of the most informative books on the Battle of Britain I've ever read. The detailed layout of the planes involved and the discussion of tactics really stood out. Especially the tactics. Most often books about the air war discuss the bravado and exploits of specific pilots, or the human toll on the pilots and populace. And that is all very important. But personally, I want to know what happened up there. This book really got into the details of how Britain survived Germany's attack.

[Duane Bindschadler]

Interesting perspective on the Battle of Britain - very much a detailed, inside view. And probably more detailed that I was looking for. Still, it provides an fascinating perspective on one of the key events in the Second World War, one that highlights how wise preparations by a handful of key individuals, and the heroic actions of the RAF pilots and all of their support personnel were essential in this key turning point.

[Jim]

A good summary of the various aspects of the battle. I also learned technical details of various subjects that were never mentioned in other books that I have read on this subject.