Australia’s Few and the Battle of Britain

Jack Kennedy (Sydney), Stuart Walch (Hobart), Dick Glyde (Perth), Ken Holland (Sydney), Pat Hughes (Cooma and Sydney), Bill Millington (Adelaide), John Crossman (Newcastle) and Des Sheen (Canberra): eight Australian Spitfire and Hurricane pilots of the Battle of Britain. Only one survived.

During the summer and autumn of 1940, the Luftwaffe launched their campaign to gain superiority over the RAF, especially Fighter Command. The result was the first major battle of World War II (or any war) fought entirely in the air. The Luftwaffe's defeat by 'The Few' marked a turning point in the Allies' favour.

The Battle of Britain is one of the most significant battles of the war, and until now, the role of the Australian 'Few' has received little attention. Kristen Alexander gives a personal account of eight Australian participants, drawing heavily on primary source material and original research. She follows these young men from childhood, through their education, training, personal relationships and flying careers, to death in combat (in the case of seven of the eight men), and beyond that to commemoration.

'Kristen Alexander's respect and admiration for the eight Australian pilots is evident in every page of this excellent book. It is a testament to both her writing and research skills and their lives and devotion to duty.' Australian Defence Force Journal