Peter lownsend was a professional

airman, and one who adored his work.

When tile war came he proved hilnselia

brilliant fighter pilot; his description in

this book of the Battle of Britain

provides one of the most moving and

totally convincing evocations of atria!

wariftre since Richard Hillary s Last

Enemy. He was as effective at planning

the battles of others as he was at fighting

his own. A distinguished career in the

post-war airforcc seemed his Sure

destiny. And then, in February 1944, it

was decided to widen the range fi-om

which the royal equerries were selected.

Group Captain Townsend, desperately

in need of a rest from flying, was put

forward fro the job. His assignment was