Dilip Sarkar, renowned for his meticulous research, delves into the Battle of Britain in this first volume of an eight-part series. His evidence-based approach offers a comprehensive view of the 1940 aerial conflict, exploring the development of air power, Britain's defense, the German strategy, the Home Front, and political events. Sarkar goes beyond the well-known narrative, revealing new human stories and events. The book traces the conflict's background, including the German invasion of Norway, the Fall of France, and the air battles over Dunkirk. Sarkar questions the official start date of the Battle of Britain, arguing that the fighting began earlier, on 2 July 1940. A detailed, day-by-day account follows, acknowledging aircrews lost before 10 July and recognizing contributions from Bomber and Coastal commands, not just the pilots of Spitfires and Hurricanes. Sarkar's research, based on official sources and personal accounts, challenges many myths and the accepted narrative. This work is more than a record of combat losses; it's a deep dive into the broader context of the battle, drawing on unique firsthand accounts, intelligence reports, and political documents. It's an unprecedented look at the Battle of Britain and its far-reaching implications. AUTHOR: Dilip Sarkar has now written over sixty well-received books. Having enjoyed a privileged relationship with many of The Few, he is a globally acknowledged expert on the Battle of Britain, currently working on a career-topping eight volume official history for The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust and National Memorial to The Few. Described by the late Dr Gordon Mitchell, son of the Spitfire's designer RJ Mitchell, as an 'aviation detective', Dilip Sarkar did actually begin his professional life as just that ? a police detective. His evidence-based approach and ability to discover new material is well-known ? in 2023, for example, he was responsible for having Air Chief-Marshal Sir Keith Park officially recognised as one of The Few. Made an MBE for 'services to aviation history' in 2003, Dilip was elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Historical Society in 2006, achieved First Class Honours in Modern History as a mature student in 2010, and in 2024 was made both a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and member of London's Royal Air Force Club. During his long career, Dilip has exhibited and spoken internationally at such prestigious venues as Oxford University, the RAF Museum, IWM Museum, and Airborne Museum, Oosterbeek; he has worked on many TV documentaries, on and off screen, again internationally, and has an engaging presence on YouTube and Facebook in particular. For more information, please see www.dilipsarkarauthor.com 32 b/w illustrations
