I am a fan of histories that put the human face on events. To me, it is more than just details and facts but the stories behind those facts that intrigues. I was looking forward to reading this book because it’s title indicated this was the direction it was taking. I confess it let me down.
It was chocked full of the minutiae that so many historians love but seemed lacking in the emotion and humanity that I seek.
It was not lacking this completely but I felt it took a back seat to the details. For that reason, I found it a more difficult read than I expected. Another area where I was disappointed was where there were sentences that were repeated again and again. At first, I thought I had lost my place and was reading an already read section. For those reasons I can only give it an average rating of 3 1/2 stars. It did have some interesting stories about the unsung heroes but it failed to enrich them enough to life it beyond that rating.

In the summer of 1940, Germany began developing plans to invade Britain. Every other nation they had invaded had fallen so quickly how could Britain not fall as well? Their first task to accomplishing this goal would be to dominate them by air. Beginning ‘officially’ in July 1940, Germany waged war over certain objectives like air fields, radar, and other essential infrastructure. Many books have been written on this four month period of WWII that includes strategies, timelines, or even recollections from those who survived. This particular book focuses on the war from the perspectives of those who fell during this period of time. Those who never made it home.

In The Battle of Britain 1940, Dilip Sarkar uses each chapter to introduce us to an individual who gave the ultimate sacrifice during this period of the war. The chapter begins with the individual’s name, squadron or group, and date they were killed in action or went missing. But instead of taking the reader straight to the date in question we first learn of who they were, their family and what brought them into the war and into the service they were part of. Later we hear in their own words, through official documentation, recounts of their encounters with the Luftwaffe where they safely made it back home. For the day when they did not make it back home we read someone else’s official account of what transpired.

As easy as it would be to stop at just the pilot’s sacrifices, the author pays homage to others individuals who lost their lives during this battle but whose sacrifice isn’t as well documented as the pilots may be. During the events convoys going from America to Britain were often a target of attack. What may not be as well known is that a significant number of the sailors or merchant seaman were not British. Many who crewed these ships were part of the Indian Merchant Navy or were from China or Hong Kong. Another ‘hidden history’ as the author calls it was that of the sacrifices made by those who on the ground, such as ground crew or women in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force.

Overall, I liked how personal these stories were. A lot of photographs were included that were given by their families or from other sources. I suspect many history buffs will be happy to read these stories too, especially since it includes detailed accounts of what happened in the air during these fights against the Luftwaffe.

Thanks to Netgalley and Pen & Sword for an advanced reader copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.

An interesting and engaging book looking at the Battle of Britain, looking at some lesser known heroes and not the usual really well known names we often hear about. Really interesting, detailed accounts and the backgrounds of these heroes. Well presented and a great narrative, a good addition to the library of anyone interested in the War, Battle of Britain or any history buffs.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Author Dilip Sarkar published the book “Battle of Britain, 1940” in 2020. This is Mr. Sarkar's second publication.

I categorize this novel as “PG”. This book tells the story of the Battle of Britain. This intense air war lasted from July 10 until October 31, 1940.

Each chapter of the book tells the story of a different airman. These are not the stories of the well-known aces. Most are pilots with the RAF, but some ground crew and Luftwaffe pilots are also included. All the people focussed on in the book died during the Battle of Britain.

The famous 'Few' who defended Britain comprised nearly 3,000 crewmen. Of that number, more than 540 lost their lives. They contributed an incredible effort in the defense of Britain. Without their determined effort, Britain would very likely have fallen to Nazi Germany.

I enjoyed the 12.5 hours I spent reading this 296-page history. I have read other accounts of the Battle of Britain. This book gives a more personal account of those eventful 16 weeks. Mr. Sarkar has done a superb job of telling their stories. I like the selected cover art. I give this novel a 4.4 (rounded down to a 4) out of 5.

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This is a very personal perspective on the Battle of Britain, focusing more particularly on a series of individuals involved in different ways in the campaign. As such it will appeal less to readers looking for an authoritative account of the fighting, or the tactics and aircraft involved. However, it does provide an unusual insight into the lives tragically shortened in those few short months of violent conflict between the Luftwaffe (mainly) and the RAF. The author’s involvement in the various charities involved in ensuring that the gallant individuals’ stories are not forgotten makes it an intensely personal work, and may allow the reader to forgive the occasional repetitive elements in the narrative and the perhaps excessive focus on aspects of the social background of some of the pilots involved.

An interesting read. Unlike most historical novels detailing the events, the author examines the roles of various participants in the battle. Each story tells the life of an individual, and not the ones most famous, but those in the background. A good engaging book.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.