American Eagles - US Fighter Pilots In The RAF 1939 - 1945 (Images Of War - Rare Photographs From Wartime Archives)

This First Pen & Sword Books release by Australian Aviation Historian Tony Holmes examines the American Volunteer Pilots serving nominally with usually either the RCAF or RAF, and who operated under RAF Control upto the Entry into the European War of America. After the arrival of the first of the USAAF Squadrons in England, during early 1942, these Airmen were usually most unwillingly transferred out of their respective services and into the USAAF in almost all cases - while it must be said that a handful refused all efforts to get them to leave as they considered themselves to be British or Canadian now; this was especially prevalent in both Bomber and Coastal Commands, but less so in Fighter. Uniquely these Aircrew in recognition of their earlier service were allowed to wear both their USAAF decorations and metal 'Wings' alongside their often more highly treasured cloth RAF-RCAF 'Wings', British Decorations and Uniform. Almost all of these Airmen and the handful of Airwomen who joined them (who delivered aircraft with the ATA) were united by their feelings of rage and disgust at Fascism and all it stood for. Some were already qualified Pilots, others had combat experience in the skies over Spain or China, but the majority needed training first. However the first step for many of these Trainee Pilots was to defy their own Isolationist Government and effectively break the law by either sneaking across the border into Canada, or by crossing over legally with no intent of returning. After volunteering for service with the RCAF or RAF depending on the situation they found themselves in, often lying about where they were born in order to do so, they learned how to fly and were posted to operational RAF or RCAF Squadrons in England. Later in an effort to bring these Airmen together, much as they did with other Nationalities like Poland, the RAF formed Eagle Squadrons. Pre-war pilots -- Early action -- 'Eagle' squadrons -- Fighter command -- Yanks abroad -- Nightfighters.;"American Eagles provides a photographic snapshot of the lives of the American fighter pilots who volunteered their services during World War II, as well as the Spitfires and Hurricanes they flew. Keen to help Britain stem the spread of Fascism, or perhaps seeking adventure in a foreign land, a number of American citizens defied the wishes of their government by crossing the border into Canada and subsequently sailing to Britain to join the Royal Air Force. Some were prewar civilian pilots, others were rich playboys and a few were already serving in the RAF when war was declared. Men such as Don Blakeslee, Billy Fiske, 'Gus' Daymond and Jim Dunn, as well as many other notable pilots are featured in this volume, in photographs that have been carefully sourced from official and private archives across the globe. Each image has a detailed caption, chronicling the wartime exploits of the elite 'band of brothers' known as the American Eagles."--Publisher description. American Eagles provides a photographic snapshot of the lives of the American fighter pilots who volunteered their services during World War II, as well as the Spitfires and Hurricanes they flew. Keen to help Britain stem the spread of Fascism, or perhaps seeking adventure in a foreign land, a number of American citizens defied the wishes of their government by crossing the border into Canada and subsequently sailing to Britain to join the Royal Air Force. Some were prewar civilian pilots, others were rich playboys and a few were already serving in the RAF when war was declared. Men such as Don Blakeslee, Billy Fiske, 'Gus' Daymond and Jim Dunn, as well as many other notable pilots are featured in this volume, in photographs that have been carefully sourced from official and private archives across the globe. Each image has a detailed caption, chronicling the wartime exploits of the elite 'band of brothers' known as the American Eagles. HISTORY / Military / Aviation An exciting new edition to the popular Images of War series that provides an essential addition to common understandings of the experiences of American volunteer fighter pilots during the Second World War.