Their Finest Hour: Stories of the Men Who Won the Battle of Britain

by Nick Thomas

Overview

Their Finest Hour tells the fascinating stories of six of Churchills Few', each of whom played an important part in the Battle of Britain. Celebrated and much respected on their own squadrons, all have since faded into obscurity. Their achievements, against all odds, and the fortunes of their comrades-in-arms, many of whom died during the Battle, are told here in detail, some for the first time. This has been done in an effort to retrieve these stories from obscurity, bringing them to a wider audience and ensuring they are not forgotten. Featured stories include that of Flying Officer Reginald Peacock DFC, the only Blenheim pilot of the Second World War to become a fighter ace; Squadron Leader Robert Reid, who flew throughout the Battle of Britain, having a hand in the destruction of three Bf 109s, and the damaging of two more; and Pilot Officer Douglas Cyril Winter, who flew Spitfires during the defence of the Dunkirk Beaches, before taking on the Luftwaffe in the skies over Southern England.All these stories offer insights into this dynamic period of aviation history. Recorded here, they serve as poignant reminders of the efforts of the 'Few' and the contributions that they made to the Allied effort during the Second World War.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781473874503
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Books Limited
Publication date:	01/31/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	288
File size:	6 MB

About the Author

Nick Thomas is a former archaeologist and finds expert. He currently works as Collections Officer for a local authority having been manager of the ground-breaking Stafford Castle Visitor Centre and Museum with which he has a 25 year association.

Nick has contributed history articles for a number of archaeological journals and the local press, while finding time to work on many of the 'digs' in his home town. His previous biographies include RAF Top Gun, the story of Teddy Donaldson.

Table of Contents

Introduction vi

Acknowledgements ix

Chapter 1 Squadron Leader Reginald John 'Pissy' Peacock, DFC 1

Chapter 2 Flight Lieutenant Jan Kowalski, VJM, KW**, DFC 37

Chapter 3 Sergeant Leonard 'Joey' Jowitt, MiD 88

Chapter 4 Pilot Officer Ernest George 'Gil' Gilbert 121

Chapter 5 Squadron Leader Robert 'Robbie' Reid, AEA 169

Chapter 6 Pilot Officer Douglas Cyril 'Snowy' Winter 222

Bibliography 266

Index 267