B of B pilots

[Hugh Spencer]

Why is Dr Cumming talking thriugh the top of his head? He is saying that the B of B pilots were inadequately trained with ineffective equipment. Doesn't he know that the B of B pilots and the Bomber Command crews were forced to use what skills they had with sometimes inadequate equipment. The Luftwaffe had started building up their planes, etc., long before the RAF were able to do likewise. What successes there were in those days, and I was there, were gladly accepted and applauded.

[Lonnie]

I'd say it doesn't really matter, they were still a lot better than the enemy, so all the accolades were well deserved.

[jno]

I don't know who Dr Cumming is, but it sounds as though you agree with him: training and equipment levels were poor. Nobody's blaming the pilots for that, are they? They did a remarkable job with what they had.

[Pragmatist]

"The Battle of Britain has been under the intense scrutiny of historians and others for half a century. Aided by hindsight, they have been able to raise various controversial issues. Criticism is all too easy for those who come after. To touch on but one issue, it is known that both sides overclaimed by a considerable amount. (The British claimed that they had destroyed 2,698 aircraft. The German claimed they they had shot down 3,058. Post war investigation proved that the RAF had actually shot down 1,733 German aircraft and that the Luftwaffe had shot down 915 British fighters.) No-one who has not experienced air fighting can possibly imagine the confusion. Neither can they judge. Relative scores are an effect, not a cause. What is clear is that the Battle of Britain was won by Fighter Command because it defeated the Luftwaffe in the battle to control the air over southern England. "
'Mike Spick. The Height of the Battle/Battle of Britain
Salamanda 1990'
Battle of Britain aircrew came from the following countries
Great Britain - 2,340
Australia - 32
Barbados - 1
Belgium - 28
Canada - 112
Czechoslovakia - 89
France - 13
Ireland - 10
Jamaica - 1
Newfoundland - 1
New Zealand - 127
Poland - 145
Rhodesia - 3
South Africa - 25
United States - 9