Product Description

The year 2010 will see the 70th anniversary of The
Battle of Britain, a significant anniversary at any time,
but possibly to be the last one at which survivors of
that historic battle will be able to join in the memorial
celebrations. While many books detail the story of
`The Few', and describe the technical details of the
aircraft and the aircrew who took part on both sides,
here for the first time is a book that provides a useful
background to every aspect of the conflict, comprising
150 entries covering everything from`Ace' to `Women's
Auxiliary Air Force'.
Many entries are accompanied by contemporary photographs
further enhacing the reader's enjoyment of this
unique publication.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #19609 in Books
• Published on: 2009-10-15
• Binding: Hardcover
• 160 pages

About the Author
Geoff Simpson is aTrustee of the
Battle of Britain MemorialTrust, a Council
Member of the Friends of the Imperial
War Museum and a member of the
RAF Historical Society and the Guild of
Battlefield Guides. He has written many
articles and a number of booklets on
aspects of the history of the RAF in the
SecondWorldWar.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Sample entry:
Nicknames - Nicknames for aircrew were often seen as a
sign of being accepted and frequently stayed with the person
concerned for life. There were plays on names - "Polly"
Flinders, "Bunny" Currant, "Sticky" Glew, "Robin" Hood. Some
described a personal habit - "Social Type" Jeff was always
immaculate. "Broody" Benson would, between sorties, sit
slumped in a chair. "Tannoy" Reid was often to be heard on
the radio. Some referred to physical appearance - "Woolly
Bear" Ritchie was big, but also gentle; "Sawn-off " Lock was
small; "Dopey" Davies was supposed to look like one of the
Seven Dwarfs. Others were biographical - "Dimsie" Stones
had been caught with the book by Dorita Fairlie Bruce,
Dimsie Goes to School. "Sailor"Malan and "Sinbad" Innes
had both been to sea before joining the RAF. "Sheep" Gilroy
had been a farmer and "Sticks" Gregory a professional
drummer. For "Hawkeye"Wells the origins of his nickname
lay with his achievements as a schoolboy shooting champion
in New Zealand. He continued to demonstrate his talent
while flying RAF fighters. "Grubby" Grice, "Widge" Gleed and
"Fanny" Brinsdon were among those who claimed not to
know the reasons for their sobriquets. For the slight Gleed
the name appears to have been an abbreviation of "Wizard
Midget".