Battle of Britain Pilots - A true international rescue
The Battle of Britain was a key turning point in World War II and, even in 1940, the mix of nationalities who rallied to Britain's aid was varied and vast. Their motivations were as diverse as their nationalities. Vital combat experience came from the Low Countries and Eastern Europe, where the Nazi Blitzkreig had already crushed their own forces, leaving little time for escape. Patriotism and duty inspired those in the British Empire, Commonwealth and Dominions. A sense of adventure and a strong moral compass encouraged some from more diverse backgrounds, such as America, Palestine and Ireland. Here, we highlight just a few of this diverse 'Few'.
Sir Keith Park (New Zealand) commanded the Royal Air Force 11 Group Fighter Command - the squadrons which defended London and the South East of England and which bore the brunt of the Battle of Britain. His detailed knowledge of his men and equipment; his grasp of tactics in the strategic landscape; and his close husbandry of the scarce resources at his disposal enabled the Battle of Britain to be won. It was said that 'The Few' may have won the Battle, but he was the one man who could have lost it. Park was popular with his men and flew around the fighter airfields in his personal Hawker Hurricane.
Sir Douglas Bader DFC (England) fought in the Battle of Britain despite losing both his legs in an air crash on 14th December 1931 - the left below the knee, the right just above whilst a member of 23 Squadron's Aerobatic Team. Invalided out of the RAF because of his injuries the outbreak of World War II and the subsequent shortage of experienced pilots gave Bader the opportunity to do what he loved the most - flying in the RAF. Swiftly promoted to command 242 Squadron Bader fought in the Battle of Britain becoming one of the Battle of Britain's top scoring fighter pilots.
Billy Fiske (United States of America) was one of a handful of 'known' Americans who joined the RAF in 1940. While America maintained its neutrality, most Americans went to Canada and joined the RAF or RCAF posing as Canadians. Billy Fiske was the son of a wealthy banker and educated in Europe. He was a talented athlete who competed in the 1928 and 1932 Olympics for the USA in the bobsleigh team. As war approached, he tried to join the RAF and finally succeeded in March 1940 after passing as a Canadian. He joined the famous 601 (City of London) 'Millionaires' Squadron and defended the capital in the Battle of Britain. But on 16th August, he nursed his stricken Hurricane home and died from his wounds the next day. A plaque in his honour in St Paul's Cathedral reads 'An American Citizen, Who Died That England Might Live'
