The gripping and heroic story of fighter pilots defending the skies over Britain from unprecedented Nazi attack
For 113 terrifying days in 1940, Nazi Germany’s air force, the Luftwaffe, threw everything it had at Great Britain in hopes of early victory in World War II. The task of defending southern England from airborne attack fell to pilots in the Royal Air Force, supplemented in their darkest hour by more than 100 flyers from Canada. These Canadians, some from famous families, some straight off the farm, served in forty-seven different Battle of Britain squadrons.
Now, for the first time, bestselling military historian Ted Barris’s tells the riveting story of their crucial role in this do-or-die-battle: how they accounted for 130 German aircraft destroyed, another thirty probably destroyed and more than seventy damaged, with twenty pilots dying in action and twelve awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses. Battle of Britain: Canadian Airmen in their Finest Hour is a must for enthusiasts of military and aviation history.
Ken Mist –
Once again Ted Barris brings Canadian history to life with his excellent chronicle of The Battle of Britain. Many books have been written about this critical period in WWII but, as always, Barris brings the human stories. The hopes, dreams and, far too often, the tragic deaths of Canadians from all walks of life are told with compassion, humour and pride along with the meticulous research that goes into all of Barris’ writings.
Ken Mist –
The Battle of Britain in 1940 was one of the most important periods of the Second World War. Canadian pilots and groundcrews played a pivotal role in the battle, and Ted Barris brings their stories to life with the meticulous research and engrossing detail that sets him apart from most historians.
I’ve been very fortunate to hear Ted speak numerous times and I’ve travelled with him to Normandy and The Netherlands and soon to the UK where the stories in this book will come to life.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the BoB and to all Canadians so that we can remember their courage.