The cockpit heroes
The image of the pilot with his handlebar moustache and upper-class accent was far from the truth. Fewer than 10 per cent of Battle of Britain pilots had been to public school. Pilots were drawn from all classes and backgrounds. The intense dangers they faced in the air created great camaraderie within the squadrons and crossed all the boundaries of class, race, religion and nationality.
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Spitfire pilots from 601 County of London Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force, in Italy
Air Historical Branch (MOD) |
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