Author(s): JOHN RAY

Pre-Loved Books | Military, War

In the summer of 1940 Britain stood alone, exhausted by the Wehrmacht and in a poor position to prevent an invasion, only the RAF and the English channel stood between Britain and the Germans. Into the spotlight stepped Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding. Fighting with limited resources and always with the knowledge that the Air staffs were reluctant to prolong his period of command, in fact he was dismissed once the Battle was won.

The full story presented here shows the extent of a victory gained in spite of differences between him and the Air Ministry, which at times threatened to prejudice the outcome of the actual Battle of Britain. The clash of personalities and personal conflicts embroiled within the RAF, had a major impact on strategy and tactics. This is a remarkable insight into the controversies surrounding the darkest days of 1940.

Author Biography: Dr John Ray has taught history for forty years. In 1988 he retired from a large secondary school in Kent to undertake postgraduate research on Air Chief Marshall Sir Hugh Dowding and the Battle of Britain. His subsequent book The Battle of Britain: New Perspectives, published in 1994, sought to re-examine the complicated political and military background to that most important struggle. He is author of more than thirty earlier books, mostly for secondary school students preparing for examinations.