Stanford Tuck: Hero of the Battle of Britain: The Life of the Great Fighter Ace

During World War II, Robert "Bob" Tuck was a highly skilled British fighter ace who downed 29 enemy aircraft. He was a media darling and a role model for the RAF, but his life was more complex than the one-dimensional hero portrayed in his 1956 biography. This book examines the evidence behind the myths and reveals the real Stanford Tuck, including his involvement in the Great Escape and his friendship with Adolf Galland.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2023
Publisher: Grub Street Publishing

The first full reappraisal of one of Britain's great fighter aces, this book examines the truth behind Tuck's 1956 biography, Fly for Your Life. It looks at the evidence behind the myths, checks out some of the exaggerated stories, and reveals the real Stanford Tuck.

In January 1942, Bob Tuck was the top-scoring British fighter ace with an official score of 29 enemy aircraft destroyed. With film-star looks, he was the glamorous role model for the RAF publicity machine and an eager press and public wanting wartime heroes. He had joined the RAF in 1935 and quickly showed his excellent flying skills. In 1940, his Spitfire squadron was fighting over Dunkirk, where he proved himself an expert shot. During the Battle of Britain, his legendary prowess grew, and he was posted to command a leaderless and demoralized squadron, this time flying Hurricanes. He continued to prove he was an outstanding fighter ace, gaining the rare distinction of three DFCs and then the DSO for his leadership.

He was shot down over France in January 1942. Imprisoned in Stalag Luft III. His room-mate was Roger Bushell, the mastermind of the Great Escape, and Tuck worked with him on the committee and was to be his partner in the escape. In January 1944, however, around 20 POWs, including Tuck, were purged to a new camp. Still determined to escape, when his camp was moved out on the Long March westwards, Tuck and a Polish officer took a risky chance and made their way east to Russian forces and thence to England.

This book reveals a more complex man than the one-dimensional hero of the previous biography. Post-war, he became good friends with the Luftwaffe ace, Adolf Galland, and was a key advisor with him on the film, Battle of Britain, and, often with his other friend, Douglas Bader, made many media appearances. His health declined in later life, and he died in 1971.

In conclusion, this book provides a fresh perspective on the life of Stanford Tuck, one of Britain's greatest fighter aces. It challenges the myths and exaggerations that have been associated with him and reveals the real man behind the legend. Tuck's story is a testament to the bravery and determination of those who fought in World War II, and his legacy continues to inspire generations to come.

Weight: 670g
Dimension: 167 x 241 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911667919