FIGHTER ACES

DOUGLAS BADER, left, perhaps the most renowned pilot in RAF history because of his triumph over disability after losing his legs in a flying accident, is always associated with the Spitfire and was shot down in one over France in 1941. In fact during the Battle of Britain he led Hurricane 242 Squadron, based in Duxford, Cambridgeshire, developing a deep affection for the plane. ‘I grew to love it. It was strong, highly manoeuvrable, could turn inside the Spitfire,’ he said.

MARMADUKE ‘PAT’ PATTLE, right, may be the greatest RAF fighter ace of the war. During campaigns over Greece and the Balkans in 1940-41, he shot down at least 34 aircraft but some believe it was nearer 50. Born in South Africa, he joined the RAF in 1936. ‘He was a small man and very soft-spoken,’ said fellow Hurricane pilot (and author) Roald Dahl. ‘He possessed the deeply doleful face of a cat that knew all nine of its lives had already been used up.’ Pattle was shot down and killed by a German Bf 110 on April 20, 1941.