{"product_id":"one-of-our-own-the-remarkable-story-of-battle-of-britain-pilot-squadron-leader-victor-ekins-mbe-dfc-9781399050678","title":"One of Our Own: The Remarkable Story of Battle of Britain Pilot Squadron Leader Victor Ekins MBE DFC","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eDuring the Battle of Britain, Victor Howard Ekins served as a Sergeant pilot with 111 Squadron and 501 Squadron. He was shot down and seriously injured, but survived and was promoted to Squadron Leader. He formed an unforgettable bond with his men and was at the heart of offensive operations over occupied Europe. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 256 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 30 August 2023\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Pen \u0026amp; Sword Books Ltd\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is the captivating tale of a young man who found himself at the heart of one of the most significant turning points in recent history - The Battle of Britain. Guided by the diaries that he meticulously kept throughout his wartime experience and that lay unread for over eighty years,Victor Howard Ekins' story is one of duty,loss,friendship, and love. He would meet his wife, Kim, a plotter serving at RAF Kenley, during the intensity of the Battle of Britain, and their relationship would go on to flourish against all odds. He also rose through the ranks to become a Squadron Leader, admired and respected by those who served with him. As an inexperienced Sergeant pilot, Victor was posted to 111 Squadron three weeks into the Battle of Britain. The baptism of fire that he went on to experience would stay with him for a lifetime as his squadron was decimated after relentlessly pursuing the tactic of the head-on attack. He was caught on the ground during the bombing of RAF Croydon on 15 August 1940, and would fight in the skies above RAF Kenley during The Hardest Day. He would also be one of the airmen tasked with defending London against the first of the huge daylight bombing raids that took place on 7 September 1940. After 111 Squadron was withdrawn from the front line due to its extreme losses, Victor was posted to 501 Squadron. On 27 September 1940, he was shot down and seriously injured as a bullet passed through his stomach and smashed into the controls of his Hurricane. Miraculously, he would go on to land by parachute in a Canadian field hospital, the staff of which were able to save his life and would return to the action within just 8 weeks. Victor became part of the brotherhood of 501 Squadron and served on the front line for a grueling twenty-one months.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDuring his time in 501 Squadron, Victor experienced the horrors of war firsthand. He witnessed the destruction of cities and the loss of innocent lives, and he bore the emotional scars of his experiences. However, he also witnessed the resilience and bravery of his fellow airmen, and he was inspired by their determination to fight for their country.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the most significant events of Victor's time in 501 Squadron was the Battle of Britain. This was a pivotal moment in the war, as the British Air Force faced off against the German Luftwaffe in a fierce aerial battle. Victor was part of the squadron that was tasked with defending London against the first of the huge daylight bombing raids that took place on 7 September 1940.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe raid was a terrifying experience for Victor and his fellow airmen. The German bombers flew in low, dropping their bombs with devastating accuracy. Victor and his squadron were able to repel the attack, but not without suffering significant losses.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite the setback, Victor and his squadron continued to fight. They were determined to defend London and to prevent the German forces from gaining a foothold in the UK. They flew countless missions, day and night, and they never gave up.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVictor's bravery and determination were recognized by his fellow airmen, and he was promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader. He was admired and respected by those who served with him, and he was a true leader in the face of adversity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHowever, Victor's time in 501 Squadron was not without its challenges. He was shot down on several occasions, and he suffered severe injuries. He was also forced to make difficult decisions, such as whether to bail out of his plane or to stay and fight.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite these challenges, Victor never lost his sense of duty or his sense of hope. He continued to fly his plane, to fight for his country, and to inspire his fellow airmen.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the end, the Battle of Britain was a victory for the British Air Force. The German forces were defeated, and the UK was saved from invasion. Victor Howard Ekins played a significant role in this victory, and his story is a testament to the bravery and determination of the men who fought in the war.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVictor's story is a reminder of the sacrifices that were made during the war, and of the importance of never forgetting the lessons that we learned from it. It is a story of duty, loss, friendship, and love, and it is a story that will continue to inspire generations to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 738g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 164 x 241 x 25 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781399050678\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"David Duker","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44531936493818,"sku":"9781399050678","price":16.1,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1693569807574_book.jpg?v=1693663055","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/one-of-our-own-the-remarkable-story-of-battle-of-britain-pilot-squadron-leader-victor-ekins-mbe-dfc-9781399050678","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}