RAF Fighter Command Pilot

The Western Front 1939–42

RAF Fighter Command Pilot cover

Description

The role of the "few" of the RAF in World War II, as described by Churchill during the Battle of Britain, has been the subject of much mythologizing both at the time and in the years since. The recent 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, combined with the threat of significant cuts to the current RAF, have highlighted the importance of Fighter Command in the early days of World War II once more.

This title will put Fighter Command in context; describing the lack of funding and attention which it received during the interwar period, until it was almost too late. The myth of the fighter pilot will be humanized, with first-hand accounts quoted which put nervous but brave human beings from all walks of life in the cockpit, not the fearless, arrogant public school boys who appear in popular fiction. Although the Battle of Britain may not have in itself been the decisive encounter that it has historically been portrayed as, the moral victory won by the RAF, the victory that proved that Germany could be defeated, was just as important as a military-strategic victory.

Other aspects of these early days of Fighter Command will also be given a more detailed exploration - the obsolete but tenacious Gladiators over Norway, the Hurricanes in support of the BEF and air cover over Dunkirk. Thus giving a rounded picture of the early years and development of Fighter Command and its pilots.

Table of Contents

RAF Fighter Command in the inter-war period /Recruitment and training /Equipment: flying clothing and uniform /Aircraft of Fighter Command /On Campaign: conditions in theatre /Belief and Belonging /Experience of battle: tactics of air combat /Museums and surviving aircraft /Bibliography /Index

Product details

Published Sep 18 2012
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 64
ISBN 9781849087797
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 30 b/w; 31 col
Dimensions 10 x 7 inches
Series Warrior
Short code WAR 164
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Illustrator

Graham Turner

Graham Turner is a leading historical artist, spec…

Resources

Discover More

Visit our exclusive member's website to see artwork, maps, and more from this book.

Resources

Book Vote

Tell us what titles you would like to see published by Osprey, then vote for your favourites in our monthly book vote!

Related Titles

Sign up for Osprey membership for access to thousands of plane profiles, maps, battle scenes and more. Plus up to 30% off website purchases

Free US delivery on orders $35 or over