Description
Object description
British NCO served as pilot with 19 Sqdn, No 12 Group, Fighter Command, RAF in GB and during Battle of Britain, 1936-1940
Content description
REEL 1 Aspects of period as pilot with 19 Sqdn, No 12 Group, Fighter Command, RAF in GB, 1936-1939: reasons for enlistment as apprentice in Royal Air Force, 1929; pattern of service prior to joining squadron, 1936; reputation of squadron; advice from Harry Broadhurst on aerial combat; shooting techniques, Recollections of operations as pilot with 19 Sqdn, No 12 Group, Fighter Command in GB, 9/1939-6/1940: convoy patrol work; initial experience of aerial combat over Dunkirk, France, 26/5/1940-4/6/1940; tactical techniques employed over Dunkirk, France; sight of beaches at Dunkirk, France; question of army's criticism of Royal Air Force presence during Dunkirk Evacuation; fate of squadron pilot who crash landed in sea off Dunkirk, France; defensive circle employed by German Messerschmitt Bf 110; combat successes over Dunkirk, France; survival and morale in squadron; characteristics of Supermarine Spitfire.
REEL 2 Continues: rivalry with 111 Sqdn, RAF; problems with cannon equipped Supermarine Spitfires. Recollections of operations as pilot with 19 Sqdn, No 12 Group, Fighter Command, RAF during Battle of Britain, 7/1940-10/1940: role of No 12 Group aircraft in protecting No 11 Group airfields; effect of 'big wing' tactics on German morale; suitability of 'big wing' for No 12 Group; lateness of call-up for No 12 Group and bombing of RAF North Weald; incident of being shot down by German Dornier Do 17 near RAF North Weald, 7/9/1940; problems faced by German Air Force fighters during battle; his successful encounter with three German Messerschmitt Bf 109s over Kent, 15/9/1940; predictable nature of German strategy; attitude to lack of combat by No 12 Group fighters during battle; problem of accuracy of combat scores; training of inexperienced pilots in squadron; belief in ultimate Royal Air Force victory during battle.
REEL 3 Continues: attitude towards battle at time; recreational activities; memories of Douglas Bader including how he gave Unwin his nickname 'Grumpy'; role of alcohol during battle; attitude towards media representations of the Battle of Britain; instance of frightened sergeant pilot who was killed.