The Biggin Hill Wing: From Defence to Attack

The airport at Biggin Hill was initially established to help with the development of radio telemetry, so that planes could communicate with each other.  During the initial phase of the Battle of Britain, the Air Force was used for defensive purposes.  However, in 1941, with the change in command of the Royal Air Force, the plan was now to take the battle to the Germans.

The newly formed “Circus” had various elements to protect the bombers that were attacking various sites in France.  These were the Escort Squadron, the High Cover Wing and the Mopping Up Wing.

Author Peter Caygill outlines daily air battles with victories and losses and how they affected the men.  He also tells of how the men would let off steam when they had time off and away from Biggin Hill.

Once the Germans turned their attention to Russia, the number of planes the British had to deal with decreased.  As time went on, the British began to bomb into France.  As a result the fighters accompanied the bombers to provide protection.  Their time in France was limited due to fuel consumption.

The Spitfire has some advantages over the Messerschmidt 109, such as turning ability.  However, things were to change in September when the Germans introduced the Focke-Wulf 190.  It had numerous advantages over the Spitfire, but could its pilots better the RAF pilots?

Caygill draws a number of conclusions about the successes and failures of the year.  It was a year of learning for the RAF.

Caygill also includes an appendix about pilots who were downed but managed to escape back to the UK with the aid of the French Resistance.  A second appendix includes a discussion of the Great Escape, which included pilots from Biggin Hill.

All-in-all, a very good read for fans of history, and in particular World War Two history of the RAF.