Da Capo Press

The Few (Americans in the Battle of Britain)

by  Alex Kershaw

Reviewed By  D.M. Knights, IPMS# 17656

MSRP: $25.00 ISBN: 0306813033 In the history of aerial combat, there are few stories as compelling as the Battle of Britain. Much has been written about the Battle of Britain, with many general histories, as well as biographies of some of the leading pilots of both opponents, Great Britain and Nazi Germany. However, as far as I know, this is the first book to focus on the Americans who flew in the Battle of Britain. I have previously read another book by this author. That book, The Longest Winter, was about a small reconnaissance platoon in the opening stages of the Battle of the Bulge. I thoroughly enjoyed that book and the author's latest work was equally enjoyable. Many modelers are familiar with the "Eagle Squadrons" that were formed in the RAF of pilots from America. They were created at the end of the Battle of Britain and did not participate in the battle. However, several of the pilots who eventually formed the first Eagle squadron were pilots from the U.S. who had flown for the RAF in the Battle of Britain. This book tells their story. As the author tells us, there were at least 7 American citizens who flew for the RAF during the Battle of Britain. They ranged from a world champion / two time gold medal-winning Olympian bobsledder to a Minnesota farm boy to a Hollywood studio pilot. At the time, the United States maintained strict neutrality regarding the war in Europe. That position was enforced by the Neutrality act, which made it illegal for any U.S. citizen to fight in the armed forces of any of the combatants. Each of these men was risking their citizenship by enlisting in the RAF. The author does an excellent job of weaving the story of these individuals into the overall story of the Battle of Britain. Since these men initially served in the RAF prior to the forming on the "All-American" Eagle squadrons, they served in regular RAF squadrons, including 64, 601 and 609 Squadrons. It is sobering to realize that 6 of the 7 men whose stories are told in this book did not survive the war. This book is an excellent tribute to some of the first Americans to fight fascism in World War II. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to all. Read more here: www.thefewbook.com .

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