Eagles of the RAF: The World War II Eagle SquadronsU.S. citizens fought and died in WW II long before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Among them were the pilots of the Eagle Squadrons, three fighter squadrons of Britain's Royal Air Force manned by young U.S. flyers. This book tells how the Eagle squadrons were formed and summarizes the history of the units and evaluates their deeds, motivations, and contributions. Draws on interviews from more than 35 surviving Eagles, their letters and memoirs, and official records. Depicts their daily lives along with special heroes and amazing sacrifices. "An important contribution to the study of American involvement in WWII. Highly recommended." |
Other editions - View all
Eagles of the Raf: The World War Ii Eagle Squadrons Caine D. Philip,National Defense University Press No preview available - 2012 |
Eagles of the Raf: The World War Ii Eagle Squadrons Philip D. Caine,National Defense University Press No preview available - 2013 |
Common terms and phrases
133 Squadron 71 Record Book 71 Squadron action Air Ministry airplane Army Air Force arrived Art Roscoe August author's files aviation Barry Mahon Battle of Britain bombers British California Canada Canadian Carroll McColpin Charles Sweeny Chesley Peterson Clayton Knight Clayton Knight Committee combat Don Blakeslee Eagle Squadron Edwin Taylor enemy aircraft England escort Fessler Fighter Command fighter pilots fighter squadrons flew flight flyers flying formation Fourth Fighter Group France Geiger George Sperry Hereafter cited Hurricane join the RAF July KIA RAF killed KOAS Lafayette Escadrille Leo Nomis LeRoy Gover Letter London Luftwaffe Malta military Miluck mission months October operational Peterson Interview pilot training planes prisoner Questionnaire RCAF Reade Tilley recruiting Royal Air Force September shot Smith Spitfire squad Squadron Leader Stalag Luft III Telephone Interview three Eagle Squadrons tion transfer United USAAF volunteers William wing World World War II York young
Popular passages
Page 17 - Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.
Page 150 - ... we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the new world, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.
Page 14 - France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island whatever the cost- may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills, we shall never surrender...
Page 92 - States, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the rules and discipline of war, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you.
Page 92 - Men serving under you, and use your best endeavours to keep them in good order and discipline. And We do hereby command them to obey you as their superior Officer, and you are to observe and follow...
Page 42 - That any American citizen shall be deemed to have expatriated himself when he has been naturalized in any foreign state in conformity with its laws, or when he has taken an oath of allegiance to any foreign state.
Page 277 - Goodbye' to you whom it has been my privilege to command. You joined us readily and of your own free will when our need was greatest.
Page 145 - Keep your finger out. 4. Height gives you the advantage. 5. Always turn and face the attack. 6. Make your decisions promptly. It is better to act quickly even though your tactics are not the best. 7. Never fly straight and level for more than 30 seconds in the combat area.
Page 41 - ... 3. Hiring or retaining another person to enlist or enter himself in the service of either of the said belligerents as a soldier, or as a marine, or seaman on board of any vessel of war, letter of marque, or privateer.
Page 17 - The gratitude of every home in our Island, in our Empire, and indeed throughout the world, except in the abodes of the guilty, goes out to the British airmen who, undaunted by odds, unwearied in their constant challenge and mortal danger, are turning the tide of the World War by their prowess and by their devotion.