Glorious Summer by Robert Taylor. (B)

Throughout the long hot summer of 1940 the destiny of the British Isles, indeed the future of Europe, lay in the hands of a small band of young RAF fighter pilots. Against them stood the vast aerial fleets of an all-powerful Luftwaffe, gloating and confident from its victories in Poland, France and the Low Countries. Lying in wait across the Channel, anticipating an easy victory by its air force, were the armies of the most powerful tyrant the world had ever known. With Europe already succumbed to Nazi rule, Britain was alone, the last bastion among the free nations to stand against an evil empire bent upon world domination. The battle, the first ever to be fought entirely in the air, would change the course of history, whatever the outcome.

Outnumbered more than five to one at the outset, the odds were so heavily stacked against the RAF, the task looked hopeless. But as the ferocious aerial battles continued through the long summer months, the tactical skills, devotion and raw courage of the RAF's young flyers, gradually turned the tide. By September end, the battle was won and the defeated Luftwaffe retired to its plundered territories to lick its wounds.

Image shows nearest, young Pilot Officer Geoffrey Page, later to become one of the RAFs most highly decorated fighter aces, powers his Mk I Hurricane over the country lane at the edge of the airfield, as he and his fellow No 56 Squadron pilots make their third scramble of the day.

Last print available of this edition - now sold out at the publisher.

Signed by Air Commodore Peter Brothers CBE, DSO, DFC*,
Wing Commander Christopher Bunny Currant DSO DFC,
Group Captain Dennis David CBE DFC AFC,
Group Captain Billy Drake DSO DFC,
Wing Commander Paul Farnes DFM,
Wing Commander Gordon Sinclair OBE DFC,
Air Commodore Cyril Brown CBE AFC AE (deceased), Air Vice Marshal Edward Crew CB DSO DFC (deceased),
Group Captain John Cunningham CBE DSO DFC AE DL FRAeS (deceased),
Air Commodore John Ellacombe CB DFC* (deceased),
Wing Commander Bob Foster DFC (deceased),
Warrant Officer Peter Fox (deceased),
Flight Lieutenant Peter Hairs MBE,
Squadron Leader Percy Morfill DFM,
Group Captian Alan Murray DFC,
Wing Commander Tom Neil DFC* AFC,
Wing Commander Peter Parrott DFC AFC (deceased),
Group Captain John Peel DFC DSO (deceased),
Squadron Leader Arthur Bill Pond AFC,
Squadron Leader Christopher Riddle (deceased)
and
Captain Tommy Thompson DFC JP BOAC/BA (deceased).

Limited edition of 250 Millennium Proof Edition Prints, supplied with companion print Hunters of the Night.

Paper size 33 inches x 24 inches (84cm x 61cm)