It was not the pilots alone who won the Battle of Britain.
The RAF worked
hard to ensure that its pilots were supported by some of the best
trained ground crews in the world.
With an ‘apprentice’ program, the RAF had attracted technically minded young men early and provided them with extensive training throughout the inter-war years. In some ways, ground crews were better educated than many pilots.
Under the circumstances and given the fact that many pilots came up from the ranks themselves, it is hardly surprising that the relations between pilots and crews were on the whole excellent. The RAF had a notoriously relaxed attitude towards discipline in any case, and this further worked to break down barriers.
Last but not least, at this stage of the war, individual
crews looked after individual aircraft and so specific pilots. The ground crews
identified strongly with their unit – and ‘their’ pilots. After the bombing of
the airfields started in mid-August, the ground crews were themselves under
attack, suffering casualties and working under deplorable conditions – often
without hot food, dry beds, adequate sleep and no leave. The ground crews never
failed their squadrons. Aircraft were turned around – rearmed, re-fuelled, and thoroughly
checked – in just minutes.
Where Eagles Never Flew
is a tribute to the men and
women who were engaged in this crucial conflict. Based on first-hand
accounts
by pilots and other participants as well as retrospective historical
analysis, this novel recreates
the tense atmosphere of this dramatic summer. It allows the reader to
see unfolding events through the eyes of characters involved both in the
air and on the ground and on both sides of the Channel.
Click here to see a video teaser of Where Eagles Never Flew
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