Kenneth G. Wynn

In respect of any interest in the Battle of Britain, this epic book researched by Kenneth WYNN and the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust is an absolutely essential reference book. It follows, therefore, that this supplement is a ‘must have’ book for anyone with more than a passing interest in the Battle of Britain in mid-1940.

The original book comprised a concise biography of every member of air crew who fought in the battle, using some well-accepted criteria to determine the scope of the project. In many cases, there are photographs of the subject of that biography. Naturally, the depth of the content of each biography varies, but most give a sufficient precise of that individual to give an insight into their life, and to serve as a tribute to them.

This Supplementary Volume provides corrected and additional information from the previous, main volume. It only includes those individuals for whom there is a requirement for an updated biography, so therefore, it is to complement, not replace, the original volume.

What more can I say other than to praise both the people who have researched all the approximately 2,900 people who are included in the two volumes, and to Frontline Books for publishing such a seminal work.… (mais)

This book (along with the 2nd volume) is a treasure trove of U-boat data: submarine voyages, commanders, ships sunk and other information. The date formats used are European so sometimes when periodically checking some U-boat data it can get confusing mixing up dates. Seems very comprehensive. I have noted a few discrepancies with historical references. But, by and large, it seems quite authoritative. Sometimes I can get into an inquisitive mode and end up spending an hour or more reading about select U-boats and cross referencing all sorts of newly found information. A reference gold mine for U-boat history readers.… (mais)

Men of the Battle of Britain
Kenneth G. WYNN
Barnsley, Frontline Books, 2015
i – x 606 pp ISBN 978 1 47384 767 5 (hbk) £60.00

Any war involves people, real people, so it is fitting that on Battle of Britain Day in 2015 I am reviewing this book, dedicated to the men who fought in that momentous event. This large book contains a brief biographical resume of each pilot, and air gunner, who fought in the Battle of Britain in August and September 1940.

Inevitably, the amount of information available on each person does vary, but for most of the men involved, a reasonable amount of information is available in order gain an insight into the background and service career of every pilot. The biographies are arranged alphabetically, and most contain a photograph of the individual concerned.

I have not been able to put this book down for long since it arrived, and I have found it fascinating the eclectic mix of men, of different nationalities and a range of backgrounds, who came together in history to become ‘The Few’.

Produced in association with the Battle of Britain Association, this was first published in 1989, but the re-print has only recently been available. It is expensive, but in my humble view, it is worth every penny, as a major work of reference for this key event in history.… (mais)