Brothers in Arms: The Story of a British and a German Fighter Unit, August to December 1940

The Battle of Britain was a personal affair between one man against another, with the men of 609 (West Riding) Squadron and 1/JG53 playing a key role. The action was tense, with pilots experiencing exhaustion, inactivity, and frustration, as well as moments of leisure and pleasure. There was little difference in the experiences and reactions between the men defending king and country and those fighting for the Fhrer, creating a form of bond derived from shared experiences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2020
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The intense and perilous aerial battles that unfolded in the skies above the United Kingdom during the Battle of Britain were, in many ways, deeply personal confrontations. These duels, accompanied by the overwhelming emotions and stress they engendered, are vividly captured in this day-to-day, blow-by-blow account of the pivotal role played by two frontline fighter units, one British and one German. This is the story of the Battle of Britain as seen through the eyes of the men of 609 (West Riding) Squadron, headquartered in southern England, and 1/JG53, a Luftwaffe staffel based in northern France. The tense and adrenaline-fueled action of aerial combat, as well as the profound relief felt by individual pilots who managed to survive these encounters, the exhilaration of securing a successful kill, or the heartache of witnessing a dear friend being shot down, highlight the shared fears and experiences of airmen on both sides of the conflict. We delve into the relentless grind of exhausting missions and days plagued by frustrating weather-induced inactivity, interspersed with brief moments of respite and leisure amidst the daily struggle for survival. What becomes evident is that, in many respects, there was little distinction between the men who defended their king and country and those fighting for the Führer, forging a unique bond born from their shared hardships and camaraderie, indeed, akin to brothers in arms.

Weight: 654g
Dimension: 233 x 157 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526782892