Dowding and Churchill : the dark side of the Battle of Britain : the involvement of high officials of government and the Air Ministry intent on discrediting Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding

Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh – later Lord – Dowding was one of the greatest Englishmen of the 20th century. He created Fighter Command with its unique early warning system (radar) from nothing in 1936 to the efficient defensive force it became in 1940. In consequence Fighter Command was the only arm that was properly prepared for battle when war was declared against Germany. Hugh Dowding led Fighter Command in the Battle of Britain, and was victorious. The campaign, although a series of defensive engagements, was one of the decisive battles of Western Civilization. The strategic importance of the Battle of Britain was recognized at the time, yet, the moment it was won Dowding was summarily relieved of his command and shuffled into retirement without recognition, reward or promotion. This book reveals that this was the result of a shabby conspiracy by fellow officers. The Air Ministry published a brief account of the Battle in March 1941 and in it there was no mention of Dowding. Churchill was furiously indignant. But in November 1940 he had acquiesced in Dowding’s removal. Why? And what are the factors that led to Dowding’s dismissal in the first place? In this thought-provoking and authoritative book Jack Dixon answers these questions and explains Dowding’s true greatness

Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding Was Commander - In - Chief of Fighter Command, Royal Air Force. From Its Formation in 1936 Until November 1940. He Was Thus Responsible for the Preparation for and the Conduct of the Battle of Britain.

With Remarkable Foresight. He Ensured the Equipment of HIs Command With Monoplane Fighters. The Hurricane and The Spitfire. He Was Among the First to Appreciate the Vital Importance of R.D.F. (RADAR) and of an Effective Command and Control System for his Squadrons. They were Ready When War Came.

In the Preliminary Stages of that War. He Thoroughly Trained His Minimal Forces and Conserved Them Against Strong Political Pressures to Disperse and Misuse Them. His Wise and Prudent Judgement and Leadership Helped to Ensure Victory Against Overwhelming Odds and Thus Prevented the Loss of the Battle of Britain and Probably the Whole War.

To Him, The People of Britain and of the Free World Owe Largely the Way of Life and the Liberties They Enjoy Today.

Hugh Dowding created RAF Fighter Command and led them through the Battle of Britain. Despite being responsible for victory, he was sacked shortly after. This book explains the conspiracy behind this injustice - who was responsible and why?