An Exceptional Few: Leaders, Heroes and Their Memorialisation

Abstract

The Few were heroized during wartime, those surviving the war enjoying public appreciation for their contribution during the Battle of Britain. This chapter considers Churchill’s role, then the wartime and post-war roles and reputations of Dowding and Park as key leaders, and those of other commanders. Second, the formulation of the Few as an elite, followed by examples of their post-war lives, attitudes to the Battle, how it affected them, fellow pilots and careers, and how many remain alive by 2019. Portrayals of the Few in print, film, and radio are also included. Third, monuments and memorials to the Few and Battle of Britain are discussed, including the involvement of the Few in bringing these about. Memorials to Bomber Command are also considered.