After watching this documentary, I'm so grateful that my most favorite movie of all time `The Battle of Britain` gave Air Chief Marshal Dowding the proper recognition. Respect.
HEAR HEAR! Dowding's superb generalship was a major winning factor in the Battle. Also his refusal to Churchill's demand earlier to send Spitfires to France allowed scarce resources to be saved to meet the Luftwaffe's onslaught on Britain. A great man deserving full recognition for his part in this critical battle.
My mother in law was in the ATS in 1940-43 and was an aircraft spotter in Surrey and later on a searchight crew in wimbledon. RIP Molly! proud that you were a contributor to the battle of britain victory!
@@fredflintstoner596 Also for saving you, your family and your friends and everyone you knows you. All of which, would probably not have been alive today, had it not been for this lady's selfless courage.
@@Charlimarteli The OP states that Molly was her mother-in-law. That's not to say that there were no people of Latino descent living in GB at that time.
If only we could go back and interview people like Molly who experienced this time. They would have a few stories to tell. However, many veterans from WW II never spoke about their experiences or held them back until near the end of their lives.
It's often been said that Dowding and Park were the two men who were in the right place at the right time. As a statement of fact this is only matched by Churchill's famous: "Never in the field of human conflict ...". It is to Dowding and Park's brilliance, as two men of the same mind, that the essential foundation for victory in the Battle of Britain - and arguably, that basis for final victory in WWII - was established. May they, and all those who fought (both military and civillian) in the Battle NEVER be forgotten!! Respect!! 👍
The key engagements of the Battle of Britain were fought in the mid and late 1930.s, within the RAF and Air ministry itself. Those victories allowed Dowding to build the worlds first national integrated air defence system. It was the system + leadership + personnel that won the Battle of Britain.
@@johnkelly3886 Funding was found and given, in difficult economic circumstances, by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, the much-maligned Neville Chamberlain.
A visit to the Battle Of Britain Museum in Hendon is a must. Wax figures of Dowding and Goering and the high scoring pilots are on display plus all their actual uniforms and medals. They face each other. An animated hologram of Churchill delivering his famous speech behind his actual desk and furnishings is at the head of this display. The actual opposing aircraft are on display, where you watch a movie from a grandstand. Searchlights focus on the display in sequence with the movie.
True, but that's the way it was and still is. Those generals that knows how to use politics to further themselves are more remembered than those like Dowding.
As an American with an English mother, I have absolute respect for him. The right man, in the right place, at the right time. Twice, my mother, was trapped in bomb shelters, once delivering her nephew, the next she lost her hearing. She recovered 70% of her hearing in the left ear, but never recovered her hearing in the right ear.
I Just posted this documentary now in my FB saying: 🙏🌷🛩️ Salute to Sir Hugh Dowding and salute to all the brave soldiers and aircraft fighters of UK. 🛩️🌺
Several months ago in a used book store I came across a book titled "The Untold Story of the Battle of Britain." As a major history buff my first instinct was to ignore it, wondering "What could be untold about that?" Thankfully, I overcame that initial thought and bought the book, which turned out to be the story of Sir Hugh Dowding. If it had not been for Dowding, England would have had neither the Spitfire nor Hurricane in any significant numbers because he had to fight tooth and nail to get them (the high command at the time believed bombers alone could win any air war), just as he had to fight for radar, communication networks and central command of the fighter wings. Also, his objection to the "big wing" theory was not just that it took too long to assemble, but that it would reveal the actual RAF fighter strength to the Germans. By only sending up the number of fighters required to meet the threat he convinced the Germans that Fighter Command was weaker than it was. When the Germans finally sent their biggest (and last) massive raid, Fighter Command sent up everything they had and the Germans were so shocked by the number of British fighters and their own losses that they finally gave up the battle. Unfortunately, Hugh Dowding was neither a member of the 'upper crust' nor was he a 'social animal' which was so important to the Brits, and that really explains his unpopularity and removal as head of Fighter Command. To add insult to injury, when the RAF wrote the official history of the Battle of Britain, Sir Hugh Dowding was not mentioned even once. The British should forever feel shame for that slight to a man to whom they owed so much .
I Just posted this documentary now in my FB saying: 🙏🌷🛩️ Salute to Sir Hugh Dowding and salute to all the brave soldiers and aircraft fighters of UK. 🛩️🌺
@@timparker2985 You read the right books, my friend. It was indeed Korda's book. The actual title was "With Wings Like Eagles" with a subtitle of "The Untold story of the Battle of Britain". I guess I should have made that clear in my post, but it was the "untold" part that really caught my attention in that bookstore, and after reading it, it was also the untold part regarding Sir Hugh which left me feeling how shabbily this great man was treated. I understand that many years later England finally erected a statue in his honor, but just in my humble opinion, that was not only far too little but also far too late. BTW, I don't know if you are a drinking man or not, but if you are, maybe we could both raise a toast together and drink to "Stuffy".
@@tomjustis7237 Hello Tom, Many thanks for your reply. Lord Dowding's statue was erected in 1988 outside St. Clement Danes in the Strand. About a mile away, and much later (in 2010) Sir Keith Park was similarly honoured. His statue stands outside the Athenaeum Club in Waterloo Place, off the Mall. I like your notion of a toast to "Stuffy" Dowding. Together in spirit, with spirits in a glass - Dowding would definitely have approved. (I wonder if you've read his "Many Mansions" and "Lychgate - the Entrance to the Path"?) Regards from Ludlow, Salop.
Thanks so much for posting this. Been a Dowding fan for many years, and thought politics within the RAF dimmed the light of his absolute genius. Boring, but genius. Love, David
I used to see Sir Keith Park going for a walk when I was small, in Auckland, New Zealand. He worked for the local council. I barely knew who he was at the time. Later, tourists would ask me where he was buried. I had to to tell them he didn't want a grave, but wanted his ashes scattered on the harbour.
Damn Leigh-Mallory's disloyalty ! Sir Hugh Dowding was Britain's saviour. A true leader and the architect of victory, he will always be a hero in the eyes of anyone who understands the part he played in winning the Battle of Britain.
Mallory was most certainly disloyal, he was further a man who could have betrayed England. Knowingly or not. Pig headed stubbornness is often a display of pride. We must always learn these lessons in our own life. Everyone, anyone can have a superior idea to yours. Take it on and give them credit. Humility is a magnificent strength we can achieve.
Dowding and his staff deserved much more recognition than they got. He was a caring and decent man , rare in leaders. He saved a country and many pilots lives with his command.
All remarkable men . . . who have matured, and, meet the face of a new enemy - maturity ! It's been said - 'we're all on this earth . . . a short while' ! PAY YOUR RESPECTS . . . for those that are still here. They're in their 90's . . . they won't be here, for long !
I Just posted this documentary now in my FB saying: 🙏🌷🛩️ Salute to Sir Hugh Dowding and salute to all the brave soldiers and aircraft fighters of UK. 🛩️🌺
An orphan boy, from the small town of Moffatt, Scotland, literally saved the Free World. That didn't sit well with Churchill & Mallory - more "Establishment" backgrounds. Churchill would have frittered away Fighter Command in France if Dowding hadn't stood up to him. They waited until 1988 to put up a statue to him. To paraphrase Orwell, 'the Establishment trying to control the Past to preserve themselves in Power.'
Lamont you are right on. Churchill, Dowding and Park were indispensable players. Mallory and Bader were well out of the running with their big wing theory. Mallory was lucky that he was n't court marshaled by unilaterally deciding to hold squadrons back in 10 sector until they had each joined up. Often they were late. Park went on to sprinkle his magic in Malta. Dowding was due to retire before the battle and was asked to stay on for it (thank god). Yes (the gov't) were late in their recognition. (Same with Turing). Why do some people think it important where our heroes were born; its important what he did ! Dowding invented an "Integrated" Fighter Command copied by all. We all owe him a debt of gratitude
@@glennpickard2239 Ask most people today who Gordan Welchman is and they would scratch their heads. He was incredibly vital at Bletchley Park and later to develop what we now know as 'the cloud' in defence sysytems.
François Vandercruyssen (Antwerp, Belgium) This is throughly a magnificent testimony of those flying heroes my father told me about when I was a boy. When will there be a movie about Hugh Dowding ?
The British have always made the BEST documentaries in the world, IMHO. This is an excellent example. Thank you so much for posting it!!! Timeline is one of the best channels on RU-vid.
The virtual dismissal and subsequent ignoring of Dowding’s role in the Battle of Britain is just appalling. I think the presence of Churchill in 11 sector’s control room on that day may have left him feeling puffed up and Mallory’s outgoing personality and passion for fame could have triggered the decision to eradicate all of Dowding’s remarkable achievements. Even in total war, some men will tread on the able strategists to boost their own sense of self importance. How pathetic.
Ya I think Churchill had his strengths in public speaking and such but really fell short in many other areas and allowing others to take the glory for someone else achievements is pretty wretched
It is true Dowding's sincerety and human approach to his subordinates and fellowmen definitely understood the way he handles in crisis situation, He is tall leader when even he was ask to leave abruptly from his position.This will happen to people who are humble even at higher positios Historians bosted Vincent churchil for his leadership qualities, but many a times he failed to recognise the good work peopolle like Dowding'.Most of the politician work for their fancy and popularity.This will apply British politics also 4:04
Churchill thought he was a great strategist, and constantly interfered with sound military ideas. His constant bullying cost the lives of untold thousands of soldiers lives. The US lost more men in ww2 than the British. He has completely rewritten his role in ww2.
He certainly showed HQ's weaknesses, and some in HQ didn't like it. My dad was a wartime transport pilot over New Guinea, and often heard how good he was and wished we'd had more of his type, but here in Australia. Dad was an RAAF biscuit bomber. He, like RAF pilots, held him, Dowding, in high regard, as did his section members.
A very interesting and well produced documentry and an interesting depiction of a real great Englishman. As a German i envy the British for those amazing personalities in history. The good ones in Germany were at large or already in concentration camps or dead at that time. Thanks for those men like Sir Dowding and Winston Churchill! Very recommendable "The Splendid And The Evil" a "new biography of Churchill by Erik Larson, when a few fabulous British and their great people saved western civilisation. Why arn´t there any left nowadays?
Hugh Dowding was born in Moffat Scotland (1882). Not quite an Englishman. At 15 years of age, he went to the famous private school Winchester Collage, in Hampshire England. Since he received his primary socialization in Scotland, we claim him. Unlike most RFC pilots, who were cavalrymen and aristocratic, he was an artillery man and middle class.
@@johnkelly3886 Thanks for the clarification, but I do believe the video is merely differentiating English as being on the receiving end of the Battle of Britain, perpetrated by Hitler's flying hordes, inclusive of ALL of Great Britain, including Scotland, home of my ancestors, on both parents sides.
@@loftsatsympaticodotc Clydebank was 'blitzed' several times, Scotland was also on the receiving end. British nationalism submerges Scotland in the British identity, but loudly proclaims Englishness. British nationalists should at least try to be more even handed. But this is just another symptom of how emotionally dead the Union is. The role of the Sots, in the Union, is to shut up, snap to attention, salute and blindly obey.
@@cryptotharg7400 - as a Kiwi I have to say in that in addition to Park and Dowding neither the South African Quinton Brand of 10 group nor the Brit Richard Saul of 13 Group get due recognition. They were also capable and dedicated players on team Dowding (and I believe were held in esteem by Park).
@@ivorbiggun710 - Thank you for your contribution - I suspect that many Kiwis (such as Sam Hunt whom I presume is Kiwi) have the perception that Park was unappreciated in Britain because he was largely unappreciated in New Zealand for many years (until recently anyway). The correctness of your assertion of Parks standing in Britain is demonstrated in the naming in Britain of a famous steam locomotive after him for instance. There are few such acknowledgements of him in his native land. The other issue I am beginning to appreciate is that while Mallory and Bader are vilified there were other players in the big wing game who seem to get a free ride, one notable being Sholto Douglas who was the beneficiary of Dowding's demise. While Mallory got the minor prize of Parks former position, Douglas got the greater prize of Dowding's command.
@@bazd884 - bit harsh mate. I'm a Kiwi and Mr. Hunt's comment made me cringe so I understand your angst but I wouldn't consider his comment a typical kiwi comment.
They say that "You learn something new every day" this has been my lesson today. A real-life story of which I knew nothing about. I had heard the mention of the names before, but with no idea how bigger part they played during WWII. At the end of this video, it shows a statue of Dowding, but what about Park. Does he not deserve the same requisition? It should have been done while they were still alive. No doubt one of Dowding's ghosts would have told him. Thank you to the makers of this film/video and to those who played a part in it. An important part of History, that today's students should be taught. "At the going down of the Sun and in the morning will shall remember them" Martin. (Thailand)
Finally, two men given the credit they richly deserve and sad as they were not fully honored as they should have until many years later. An excellent book to read on the machinations of the early warning system (radar) that Sir Hugh Dowding realized to be essential to Britain's defense is WITH WINGS LIKE EAGLES: A HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN. Another astonishing book to read is THE MOST DANGEROUS ENEMY: A History of the Battle of Britain. I came upon these books by complete accident. By the way, I am an American and since becoming interested in the British side of the war, I realize the Brits have never been given the full recognition in defeating the AXIS powers.
Two competent leaders, replaced by two egotists who could have lost the air war for Great Briton! Is this a case of the worst of people rise to positions of power? Galen Martin
@George Emil - There were very different reasons for the treatment of Dowding, Zhukov, and Turing. Dowding was popular with his pilots but not with politicians or ambitious careerist colleagues, he had served his purpose and was sidelined and retired at age 60. Zhukov was a popular military hero seen as a threat by Stalin and was pushed out in 1946. Turing was unknown to the public - Bletchley Park was a closely kept secret. After the war Turing was seen as a security risk because he was homosexual. He was a victim of the morality of the age.
That is what separates the great military leaders from the DUDs!! What is it; when a competent military leaders takes a stand against politicians; especially against those who never served in the military!! Sir Hugh Dowding was one of those outstanding military leaders that saved his nation!!
Just a thought. If you include Churchill here, you are quite mistaken. He served honorably and courageously in the Boer War. Survived some hairy encounters.
I Just posted this documentary now in my FB saying: 🙏🌷🛩️ Salute to Sir Hugh Dowding and salute to all the brave soldiers and aircraft fighters of UK. 🛩️🌺
There is a lovely Memorial to this great man in Moffat Dumfries and Galloway, where he was born. There is also a RAF fly past every year to commemorate his legacy.🏴🇬🇧
I Just posted this documentary now in my FB saying: 🙏🌷🛩️ Salute to Sir Hugh Dowding and salute to all the brave soldiers and aircraft fighters of UK. 🛩️🌺
So wonderful. Wish I had been alive when all of this happened. Love Brit Grit... and still love everything my grandparents valued. Huge losses and amazing achievement..
I saw the 1969 movie "Battle of Britain" when it came out. Many of the scenes in this video came from that outstanding movie. From that time, and also after reading various accounts of the battle, I had no doubts whatsoever the relative contributions to Britain's brilliant yet unlikely victory were from Dowding, Park, and Leigh-Mallory. This was a great video.
The gentle and serious tone of this video is appreciated. Lord Dowding was a brilliant man as was Keith Park. Douglas Bader can be forgiven somewhat as his ideas for Big Wing defences were a direct result of seeing tiny formations of Spitfires and Hurricanes sent up against overwhelming odds early in the Battle of Britain. He and his pilots were at the cutting edge and it is human nature for a commander at his level to want to do anything to help his young and inexperienced pilots who were being cut to pieces by the highly experienced and large formations of German fighters. That is why generals do not serve at the fighting front....they must have distance between themselves and the dying so they act in the best interest of the service and address the "Big Picture" rather than have the awful "blood and guts" fighting all around them. Otherwise important decisions are often made on emotion instead of wisdom. Leigh-Mallory, however, was pretty much a service "politician" and has no claim to the brilliant victory orchestrated By Dowding, Park and the young pilots of the RAF who fought the battle.
Bader was an idiot after self glory. I haven't met anyone who liked Bader after meeting him. I went to the Uxbridge HQ last year. The guide met Bader twice. Hated his guts both times. He was a very arrogant man.
I can't speak to Bader's role, but it feels like Leigh Mallory gets a bad press these days. In the 1969 film the tension between LM, Parke and Dowding is very well handled. Churchill of course confirmed he knew he had the right men in place. I think it an object lesson in delegation.
Well said about Bader. The Big Wing was implemented at just the right time when Spits were rolling off the production line faster and replacement pilots were poorly trained. The Big Wing was the biggest psy ops victory of the battle that rocked the LW back on its heels.
He is the kind of leader we used to have but probably wouldn't thrive in the modern world. Reserved, but not afraid to argue with superiors but usually making correct decisions.
Len Deighton deserves credit for making much of Dowding and Park's role in the Battle of Britain and their subsequent mistreatment public knowledge when he published "Fighter" in 1977.
As ever the 'establishment' screws things up for their own perceived 'glory' and betterment, but I think that today the brilliance of Dowding and Park are so very well known especially by aviation enthusiasts. Mallory, the career officer like our career politicians who work for their own ends and not for the sake of the betterment of our country.
Thank you for this honest and detailed video on the man and exceptional tactical commander, Lord Hugh Dowding. It is good that the world should know of his many great achievements and the shameful treatment he received from Douglas and Mallory.
Dowding was indeed the saviour of the RAF, and Britain. The way he was treated after the Battle of Britain, was abominable...He didn't have friends in the right places. Mallory's push for the big wing, also did nothing for the reputation for Bader, who was a junior officer at the time. The Big Wing never worked, it was too slow and too political.
The Big Wing was implemented at just the right time as Spits were rolling off the lines faster and young replacement pilots were ill trained. It was the biggest psy ops victory of the battle and devestated LW morale and strategy. All airforces used Wings there after. Park even used it (2 Sqns in BoB) in Malta (3 Sqns). Dowding was on his second extension and due to retire in Nov 1940 anyways.
Dowding's promotion to Chief Air Vice Marshall was blocked by Trenchard and Salmond. So effectively, Dowding was pushed into retirement - not a demotion. Suggest reading the explanation I've written above
. THE REAL GIANTS-- DOWDING AND HARRIS Air Chief Marshal Dowding won victory for Britain through visionary planning years before the Battle of Britain. But for the treachery of Winston Churchill, Dowding's widespread recognition and acclaim might have continued through the war. However, after Churchill had suffered severe, career-breaking ostracism for his role in Gallipoli, he had vowed never to be on the losing side of any official infighting in the future. Despite his own upstart career, Churchill became a defensive, petty tyrant in his own domain, and did not welcome similar ambition or criticism from subordinates. At his worst, Churchill was also given to brooding and relentless collection of grudges. Until he met with Dowding, Churchill had been determined to throw what remained of the RAF into the Battle of France, and had made reassuring responses to French pleas for air support. When Dowding courageously spoke to Churchill the urgent and alarming truth about dwindling RAF reserves during the battle of France, he managed to prevail, but created lasting resentment in Churchill, who later allowed Douglas and Leigh-Mallory to plot against Dowding. No soaring political figure, himself, Churchill was lionized in the wartime British press, but the media fiction about Churchill did not survive the war. By contrast, Air Chief Marshal Dowding had devoted all his efforts without media fanfare to develop the RAF from barely-conceived potential to a national defense system in-depth. Dowding won the hearts of most who served under him through his singular dedication to their mission and welfare, and his planning and execution triumphed against the Luftwaffe onslaught. Like Marshal of the RAF "Bomber" Harris, the two leaders suffered stinging official ingratitude. After struggling with their daunting missions against official inertia and bureaucratic turf battles, each was ignored at war's end, despite their effectiveness and spectacular accomplishments. Only after an embarrassing interval, each was given limited and grudging recognition. This documentary does justice to Marshal Dowding which is long overdue, and reminds us how quickly the official narrative blinded whole generations to the truth.
Another one of the "Few." ie. The few people that desperately try to underline any mistake that Churchill may have made, position taken, or impractical idea he had. An inability to see the big picture ! His "Winnings" vastly out scored his losses, and because of his leadership, took the country to the winners circle May 8 1945 !
You mean “Butcher” Harris.😒 He knew exactly what his campaigns towards the end of the war were really about and so did the bombers crews. Fighter pilots adored Dawding, bombers crews detested Harris.
I Just posted this documentary now in my FB saying: 🙏🌷🛩️ Salute to Sir Hugh Dowding and salute to all the brave soldiers and aircraft fighters of UK. 🛩️🌺
24:42 - That's why I never think that Spitfire is better, than Hurricane and vice versa. The Battle of Britain showed that those two beautiful machines were the best by completing each other.
The Hurricane was obsolete as a day fighter. It had the worst kill ratio of the battle. That means losing pilots in a battle of attrition and replacing them with poorly trained pilots. Look up Lord Nuffield who prevented production of Spitfires at Castle Bromwich while financially supporting Hawker and the Napier Sabre engine marketing & production.
We owe our freedom to Dowding and Parks and have a lot to thank their young chicks for. Was the Big Wing a good thing? If used properly it might have had a marked effect on German moral, but it did not work as well as people had predicted. Barder who claimed responsibility for its invention, is best known for his lack of legs. The people who championed its use are unknown today, its only ever mentioned in the context of the Battle of Britain, so perhaps their ignominy as architects of a fighting strategy says much of its effectiveness.
I recommend reading Patric Bishop's "Fighter Boys", for a discussion on the subject. As stated in the docu, it took too long time, so when the "Big Wing" was gathered, the Germans were already on their way back.
From a combat logistics perspective, Laurie, the 'Big Wing' was a flawed design tactic....amassing that many aircraft at attack altitude not only failed in the prima facie aspect, but cost time & effort - which as was mentioned in the documentary, would have been an ill-afforded indulgence. In regard to Douglas Bader, whilst undoubtedly brave, I cannot state with certainty that his adoption of Leigh-Mallory's 'Big Wing' was ever precisely thought through.
There are a number of sources in which Barder claims to the architect of the big wing. Its interesting that towards the end of the war when Leigh-Mallory was in charge of the 2 TAF the policy was never more than 4 planes and preferably only two.
Johnnie Johnson didn’t seem to think so. Radar could not tell altitude, numbers, a spotter aircraft or even if it was a false alarm like a flock of geese. This reinforces the view that Parks tactic of not committing the entire force even more sensible
Kawerau Woods .... Chain Home gave early warning of a German air fleet on its way. Without that warning Fighter Command would have had lost a great advantage. Primitive but useful
@@crookedpaths6612 the books I have say that they could tell a) where the build up was beginning b) they could estimate the number of "Bogeys." c) direction. With the first radar sets coverage went on into France, so they had a very good idea of aircraft type due to the base they were being scrambled from. All extremely helpful and sets improved as time went on. The Luftwaffe had no idea what they were flying into. Dowding provided the strategy, esp. at the beginning in July, of not attacking fighter groups, but only when they were accompanied by bombers. This due limited number of both RAF pilots and fighters at the start of the battle, and RAF could not afford the fighter losses that the Luftwaffe could. German bombers were the aircraft that could do all the damage.
Leigh Mallory and Legless Bader were 2 complete Arsholes , the 1st was a Narcissist the 2nd was a Sociopath , he wasn,t brave he was not aware of Danger, and the BIG WING WAS A DISASTER
My Grandad was RAF ground crew from the start of the war, volunteerig when war broke out because he didnt want to be personally responsible for killing the enemy. He was stationed near Newcastle Upon Tyne and later India and Africa. My other Grandad was from Aberdeen and met ny Gran in Birkenhead whete he was stationed as an anti air craft gunner. One of my Aubties narried an American GI and moved to USA with him and another parachuted behind the lines on D Day. Another uncle worked in the engine rooms in the Royal Navy I know far too little about their service. Very proud of all my relatives and fellow countrymen and women from that time. In any consideration of the BoB I am always reminded of the role of pilots from allies including of course the Polish fighters ..
Churchill is deified as the the country's saviour, but Turing and others at Bletchley, and Dowding, and Watson-Watt... made a massive contribution. A collective effort, involving vital individuals, but also huge numbers, not only in UK, won the war
I would certainly recommend seeing the battle of britain bunker in Uxbridge London. Takes you back to 1939 and you truly appreciate how the men , women and RAF, soldiers , saved Britain from the German attacks. Lord Dowding was a genius.
🙏🌷🛩️ Salute to Sir Hugh Dowding, Sir Park and salute to all the brave soldiers and aircraft fighters of UK. 🛩️🌺 This i posted in my FB just now after watching the documentary to honor these heroes. Thank you to the maker of this documentary... because only tonight I learned about this truth.
This highlights the very essence of leadership: You always represent the ones that aren't present - superiors when dealing with the reports, the reports when dealing with the superiors. And most importantly - your task is to promote meritocracy and prevent narcissists from rising in the ranks. This must be valid for all leaders, all the way to the top, or that culture rots away from within.
In the movie Ike,I remember Leigh Mallory character in the movie was a pain to Eisenhower. But in the end wrote an apology letter,he owed Dowety one as well. Rest in peace all you great men and women from all over the Empire.The Americans that was there,Polish, French.Bless you all.🇨🇦
A statue of Sir Keith Park was unveiled in Waterloo Place, Central London 2010. Perhaps the 70 year delay in due recognition is because he thought what many of my NZ countrymen think today; that Churchill was a walking disaster. Think Gallipoli, think Crete. 544 Allied pilots were killed in the Battle of Britain. The movies made after the war usually featured public school Brits as the brave fighter pilots, the normal male bovine excreta. The most successful Allied pilots during this battle were in fact the Polish. Sadly it is true that old men start the wars that young men have to fight.
Don't forget the Asian Theater of war his battleship obsession got the HMS Prince Of Wales and Repulse killed with all its crew underestimating the Japanese whom Churchill deemed inferior.
Dowding and Park were excellent tactitioners. Both deserved better treatment and significant honours. Again, an example of spineless politicians of the like we see today.
"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few" - Sir Winston Churchill. In War heroes die young. Dowding was a true gentlemen n hero England has forgotten today. He never got any credit on winning BOB. Churchill was unfair on him. Lee Mallory n Douglas were Ambitious chaps n wrong on big wings theory. The young lads in England today need to be aware of the sacrifices of their forefathers. Respects to RAF from IAF (Indian Air Force). 1 legged hero Squadron leader Douglas Bader was my hero n reach for the Sky my favorite movie after Battleof Britain, Angels one5, dark blue world, first light, the Hurricane n 303 Squadron (Polish war film). In BOB Apart from Brit RAF boys it was the bloody foreignors Supermarine Spitfires Hurricanes n Radar that saved Great Britain from Invasion n a certain defeat . These heroes belonged to 303 Squadron the Czechs, Polls. Others were:- Canadians, Aussies, Kiwi, Americans, South Africans, 1 Indian n 1 Israeli. I fear that next war will come against Communist China 1 day...
@@mapupuce1 I know. He was a RAF Legend fighter ace. Respects from India. We had only 1 braveheart during Battle of Britain Squadron leader Mahinder Singh Pujji.
Humbling commentary from real people in the moment. Thank you and bless all our older defenders. Great film work, including fabulous close lighting, giving the voice of inspirational people great space and purpose, i have learnt from your film. Thanks
Sir Hugh Dowding, Sir Keith Park , Watson- Watt (RADAR), Lord Beaverbrook (who bypassed the Air Ministry on aircraft procurement), the brilliant organisation and the brave pilots.They were the Golden Generation. ( PS: I couldn't help noticing that Dowding was born in Dumfries, Scotland, Watson-Watt Inverness, Scotland, Sir Keith Park was the Son of a Scots Geologist from Glasgow and Lord Beaverbrook ( William Maxwell Aitken) the son of a Scots Presbyterian minister. Kinda makes up for Field Marshall Haig in WW1.
Sir Hugh Dowding was the right man in the right place at the right time. He was the hero of the Battle of Britain. The behavior of Shalto Douglas and Leigh Mallory was disgraceful. I would suggest other winning factors, in addition to those you mention, would be Rolls for the Merlin engine, Camm for the Hurricane and Mitchell for the Spitfire. Most people don't realize that the Battle of Britain changed the course of the war and saved democracy as we know it.
@@rogerusa9696 Lady Houston for the Spitfire as well. Ralph Wigram, Torr Anderson, Frederick Lindemann all these people helped despite the pre-war government, we would never have won the battle without their efforts.
Kieth Park went on to the defence of Malta using the same tactics as in the Battle of Britain , only difference was that they used a more aggressive intercept strategy
A leader with compassion for his men is rare! Very sad this leader was not recognized for the part he played in saving Britain from the clutches of the Germans!
Not often mentioned, and of topical interest, is that Trafford Leigh Mallory was the younger brother of George Mallory, who died on Mt. Everest in 1924. It has never been established whether he and his partner reached the summit.
@@philgiglio7922 Mallory was found in 1999, and Irvine is still missing. As I understand it, they may have had a camera, but if it is ever found, every year reduces the chance that any images could be recovered from it.
Sounds like the first world war all over again with conniving in-fighting, vanity and insidious ambition rife among the top brass. Ditto politics and despised politicians in Westminster today. In the case of the Battle of Britain and at the threshold of invasion, it seemed that good luck and common sense prevailed just in the nick of time. Thank goodness these RAF veterans who spoke in Dowding's favour were given the chance to do so when still alive, so we know the truth.
Hugh Dowding .A Scotsman from Moffat. Funnily enough my mate was travelling that way and told me he was trying to find a charge point for his electric car .He was in fits of laughter that this guy had a spitfire in his garden and found it bizarre that I knew it was Hugh Dowdings house .
I Just posted this documentary now in my FB saying: 🙏🌷🛩️ Salute to Sir Hugh Dowding, Sir Keith Park and salute to all the brave soldiers and aircraft fighters of UK. 🛩️🌺
No the spitfire is not in the garden of Hugh Dowding's house. It is a full size replica in the garden of a retired doctor near the memorial to Lord Dowding in Station Park. The old school, Saint Ninians, in Wells Street was bought as an RAF retirement home and is named Dowding House.
@@Ionabrodie69 So if your parents are from Iceland and they live in Austria .Have a child ..His /her birth certificate is stamped stating he/she was BORN is Austria then he/she is still Icelandic....? Nice try.Ps so all the Polish kids born in my area with British passports are still Poles ?
I have now added an extension speaker ear-phone to my 10" tablet, I think you could use a smartphone to do the same thing, My Mother worked for Lord dowding after the 2 nd World War. The staff referd to Lord Dowding as, Learned Man, Nadoonia-Wasels. At the Greater-Worled, Near Bay's water, London, U.K.
Having studies Claire Chennault of Flying Tigers fame, Pappy Boyington's battle tactics, and the RAF Fighter Command it seems all 3 used aggressive, small units, and were also in short supply of parts and planes. Yet, these units were the terror of the skies ! The UK has Dowding to thank as the main architect of the Battle of Britain victory. BTW the Big Wing was more suited to heavy bombers, and the mighty 8th Air Force proved that.
PM Churchill had a few problems, and immediate recognition for both Dowding & Park was one. However he had the two best people in place for the two most important positions in Fighter Command, so top marks for that ! Some expected him to go through the war with no mistakes. Being human, was n't possible.
I joined up in '71. We were taught the history of the RAF. Lord Dowding was foremost amongst those we learnt about concerning the Battle of Britain. As Air Trafficers we served alongside SNCO's and WO's who had been pilots in the Battle of Britain. They had remained in the RAF and after flying ended for them, they became Air Traffic Controllers. We respected those guys. They'd forgotten more than we ever knew. Per Adua Ad Astra!
The irony of Leigh-Mallory is that he was a spiritualist too. So that's how you know it had nothing to do with religious beliefs. Leigh-Mallory may not have been a bad man, but he is the reason Churchill had this to say when he saw Dowding's name wasn't in the official history of the Battle of Britain: "This is not a good story...The jealousies and cliquism which have led to the committing of this offence are a discredit to the Air Ministry."
