GLEAVE, Group Captain Tom, C.B.E., and F. E. Dymond, compilers. They Fell in the Battle: A Roll of Honour of The Battle of Britain, 10 July - 31 October 1940. Royal Air Force Museum, 1980.
A beautifully produced large-format Battle of Britain memorial volume, measuring approximately 40cm by 28cm, issued by the Royal Air Force Museum for the Battle’s 40th anniversary. One of only 80 copies for distribution, this is copy number 2 of 15 presentation copies, signed beneath the foreword by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as Marshal of the Royal Air Force.
The book commemorates the 435 pilots and 63 crew members of the Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm who lost their lives while engaged in operational flying duties controlled by Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain. Each name is printed with rank, decoration where applicable, and squadron, turning Churchill’s famous phrase - “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few” - into a solemn roll of individual sacrifice.
The compilation has particular force because one of its compilers, Group Captain Tom Gleave, wrote from within the history he was helping to preserve. Gleave had flown in the Battle of Britain himself and was shot down in August 1940, suffering severe burns before undergoing treatment under Sir Archibald McIndoe at East Grinstead. He later became closely associated with the Guinea Pig Club and with the remembrance of Fighter Command. In this volume, therefore, the roll of the fallen was compiled not by a distant chronicler, but by a surviving Battle of Britain airman honouring the men who did not return.
A superb private-press production: printed by Will Carter at the Rampant Lions Press, Cambridge, on Arches vellum mould-made paper, and bound by V. T. Morrell of Covent Garden in specially dyed goatskin, with gilt spine lettering, raised bands, gilt rules and gilt cross to the upper board. Preserved in its fitted case.
An exceptionally rare and dignified copy in excellent condition, with clean contents, bright gilt, crisp paper, a fine binding, and only the lightest signs of handling. From the Portal family, acquired by them after Lord Portal’s death.
