Dinky Battle of Britain

 Did you have one of them?

Today's Charity shop purchase. I was attracted by the cover I have to admit.

 

The First Of The Few aka 'Spitfire' 1942. Full Movie in English.

 The Spifire's 90th birthday today.

The First of the Few (1942), released as Spitfire in the US, is a stirring wartime tribute to RJ Mitchell, the brilliant designer of the iconic Supermarine Spitfire. David Niven shines as a charming, driven Geoffrey Crisp, Mitchell’s test pilot best friend, while Leslie Howard (who also directed) delivers a poignant performance as the ailing genius racing against time to perfect Britain’s savior fighter before WWII erupts. Filmed during the Battle of Britain with real Spitfires and RAF pilots, it’s both propaganda and heartfelt biography.

Fun facts:

• Leslie Howard died in 1943 when his plane was shot down by the Luftwaffe.
• The film’s score features Walton’s “Spitfire Prelude and Fugue.
• Actual 1942 Spitfires appear on screen—some flown by legends like Jeffrey Quill.

The Hamlyn Concise Guide to British Aircraft of WWII

 Got this from a charity shop. Very good.

Biplanes in WW2

 Facebook group here

Latvian to 1940

From Osprey publishing

 

On this day in 1940 the Battle of Britain began.

Artwork: At 1140 hrs on 26 August 1940, No. 264 Sqn was ordered to patrol Dover to intercept approaching enemy bombers. It duly encountered a formation of 12 Do 17s from III./KG 3 at 12,000ft between Herne Bay and Deal, off the east Kent coast, the bombers being escorted by a large formation of Bf 109s. Sgt E. R. Thorn and his gunner, Sgt F. J. Barker, in L7005/PS-X attacked the Do 17s, hitting one and setting its starboard engine on fire before repeating the performance with another. However, they were then engaged by Bf 109s and their aircraft hit in the radiator and set on fire, although Barker in turn claimed to have downed one of their attackers. Thorn managed to crash-land the badly damaged L7005 at Chislet, Kent, with the Bf 109 they claimed to have destroyed coming down just a few fields away. Both Thorn and Barker were slightly injured. In total, No. 264 Sqn was credited with having destroyed one Bf 109 and six Do 17s, with a seventh Dornier damaged.

Illustrated by Jim Laurier from RAF Fighters vs Luftwaffe Bombers.

Belgian aircraft

 

Interesting looking book

 Anybody read it?

The sound of the aeroplane at war l.p. (1971)

 Audio here. Headphones recommended. 

Dark Blue World (2001) trailer

 

Here. I haven't seen this but somebody recommended it on the below group. Wiki

Battle of Britaun Film Facebook page

 There's a good group dedicated to the 1968 movie that has interesting side posts of the publications and ephemera from the era. This one was posted. I should like this one. Group

aircraft

 

Heinkel shot down August 1940 by Spitfires

 Crashed near Charterhouse Somerset. All 5 crew were captured.

Heinkel

 Professor Ernst Heinkel showing his youngest son a model of a He 111 bomber. May 22nd, 1941.

Action sequences from "Kampfgeschwader Lützow" depicting Heinkel He 111s attacking British shipping

Youtube Clip here. 1941 movie. As everyone is watching Masters of the Air I thought

we could look at this. IMDB

Airfix Heinkel 111

 

Bristol Blenheim Duxford

 By https://www.facebook.com/ClassicAircraftPhotography

Taranto Graphic Novel

 A graphic novel about the WWII Battle of Taranto, November 1940 buy here

Battle of Britain trailer (1969)

 https://youtu.be/4d86cHhp65Y

Probably the best film for this period. This DVD I have and you can pick it up cheaply.  Chances are you have seen it but if you haven't.... film wiki