In September 1946, the London Gazette published a despatch from Air
Chief Marshal Sir Hugh C T Dowding that was titled simply: The Battle of
Britain.
Written and submitted to the Air Ministry in 1941, this document became
the very framework for the accepted Battle of Britain narrative which
has been established across the following eighty years. Set out by the
leader of the 'Few' himself, its authoritative tone could surely be
considered a definitive outline of the battle, how it was fought and the
eventual outcome. It even retrospectively set the dates for the
commencement and conclusion of the campaign.
In this work, Andy Saunders takes a critical look at Dowding's despatch
and analyses the facts and details contained in that important document.
He also puts 'flesh on the bones' of the matters that the former
commander-in-chief of RAF Fighter Command outlines, adding intriguing
historical detail and perspective to the 1946 publication. Additionally,
Andy looks at the behind-the-scenes machinations at the highest levels
of government and Air Ministry before the despatch finally saw the light
of day.
As a historical document, Dowding's London Gazette despatch is worthy
of the critical analysis and factual expansion which the author provides
in what is a uniquely different look at the Battle of Britain, with
illustrations throughout.
