Chapman, Lee RAF Aircraft of the Battle of Britain

The Battle of Britain is widely considered to be Britain's finest hour in World War 2. At the time of writing there are only two surviving pilots who fought during the conflict. The "Few" will not be forgotten, nor will they be around forever to recount the heroism of the summer of 1940 first-hand. In contrast, the number of restored and preserved aircraft in our museums and skies is at an all-time high. Authentic warbirds have never been better cared for and formations of fifteen-plus "Spitfires" and half a dozen "Hurricanes" are not unheard of at UK air shows. It is now left to the sights and sounds of these surviving aircraft to remind us of the sacrifices, daring and bravery of those who saved Britain from imminent invasion in 1940. This book features a brief history of all the front-line RAF fighter aircraft that were involved in the famous battle and explores some of the major training and support aeroplanes that contributed to the iconic events. The story is told using over 150 photographs of surviving and restored aircraft in the air, on the ground and in unique formations together.

It is now left to these lovingly maintained relics of the Battle of Britain to remind people of the sacrifice, courage and valour of those who saved Britain from imminent invasion in 1940. This book contains a brief history of all RAF fighter aircraft that fought on the front line against the German Luftwaffe. It also looks at training and support aircraft, without which the success of the "Few" would not have been possible. The story of this battle in the skies is told through over 150 photos of surviving and restored aircraft in the air, on the ground and in unique formations.