BADER'S DUXFORD FIGHTERS - The Big Wing Controversy by Sarkar, Dilip

St Peter's, 1997, Ramrod Publs, UK first edition, 7x10, hard bound in dust jacket, Fine/Fine condition, 219 pages, well illustrated, index, bibliog.-------------------------------------------------------------------.Bader's Duxford Fighters: the Big Wing Controversy is amongst the most important Battle of Britain books ever published and is an essential addition to any aviation library. The author, a leading young aviation historian who remains a serving police officer with CID experience, presents the evidence collated throughout an impartial investigation.At last we have an accurate and extensive reference regarding the background to and air operations and politics of the Big Wing Controversy which was undoubtedly the most significant factor in the replacement of the two victors of the Battle of Britain: ACM Sir Hugh Dowding and AVM Keith Park. Political or tactical? That question is answered in this book which gives a unique insight into not only the air fighting, but also the political intrigue and personal ambitions pursued behind the scenes during our Finest Hour.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Access to contemporary documents in private hands, including various flying log books and significantly the previously unpublished memoirs of Group Captain `Woody' Woodhall (Douglas Bader's friend and Duxford Sector Commander), has enabled Dilip Sarkar to present a powerful story. Also included is a full transcript of the only interview Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader is known to have given to an historian regarding the Big Wing.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------For the first time many official documents relating to the Controversy and Tactics are published in their entirety. An analysis of the Big Wing's combat claims and operations is provided in a readable style: the results are startling. A collection of photographs, largely comprising those rarely seen or previously unpublished, enhances the text.The author's privileged relationship with, and his extensive personal knowledge of, the Few and surviving supporting personnel, punctuates his work with numerous first-hand accounts which thus provide both essential atmosphere and a fighter pilot's perspective.