struggle begins, The

Flight Journal, Apr 2003 by Dibbs, John

On July 19, 1940, three days after Hitler issued "Directive No. 16"-his preparation for the invasion of the British IslesDover Harbor, on the southeastern tip of Britain, was attacked by Stukas. This attack signaled the beginning of the Battle of Britain. Earlier that day, 141 Sqn. Boulton Paul Defiants had nearly been annihilated by Adolf Galland and his flight, so 323 sdqn. based at Hawkinge had been upgraded from "Released" to "Readiness" status to fill the loss.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., 32 Sqn. was scrambled. "B" Flight-led by Flt. Lt. Pete Brothers-flew directly through the Dover flak defenses to engage the 24 Stukas that were divebombing the harbor. The Stukas fled, and the escorting JGS1 Bf 109Es set upon the Hurricanes. In the ensuing dogfight, Pete brought down one of the Messerschmitts-his first of the Battle of Britain. The long summer struggle toward ultimate victory for the RAF's "Few" had begun.

Pete's action is celebrated in this new painting by Roy Grinnell, and it's available as a limitededition litho (signed by Pete, Billy Drake and Mike Cooper-Slipper). Prints are available from Roy Grinnell Studio, P.O. Box 87, Kirbyville, TX 759S6; phone/fax (409) 423-7430; www.roygrinnell.com; email BuyWrBonds@aol.com. The lithographs cost $150, and Roy Grinnell, Pete Brothers and Billy Drake signed the main edition of 175 prints. The Hawkinge edition of 100 prints is also signed by Thomas Cooper-Slipper and costs $175. Remarques are available on request.