Customer Reviews

Duel of Eagles: The Struggle for the Skies from the First World War to the Battle of Britain

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4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
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English Ace Peter Townsend's reconstruction of the Battle of Britain. This spirited rendition, written by a pilot who flew and fought during the struggle, follows the career of the author and German counterparts amidst the looming backdrop of WWII. This account moves from the defeat of the Kaiser's air force in 1918 to 1940 when Hurricanes, Spitfires and Bf-109s (Messerschmitt) dueled over English skies. The history of the fledgling Luftwaffe and RAF during their formative years is terrific. Also of interest is the general characterization of the RAF, which during the Battle of Britain was a multicultural force comprising British, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders as well as squadrons from most of the European countries Germany had conquered as well...plus a handful of Americans. Belongs on a bookshelf with Brickhill's 'Reach for the Sky,' Forrester's 'Fly for Your Life,' Deere's `Nine Lives,' Galland's 'The First and the Last' and Richard Hillary's work...classics all!

The cover of the book says, "The greatest book on the Battle of Britain ever written", and I think it lived up to the review. A very well organized look at the entire situation leading up to the battle, as well as the simultaneous events across the pond (i.e. Hitler's Operation Sealion), the profound impact that the RAF pilots had on history, and just how close Hitler came to launching an amphibious invasion of England. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the subject.

extremely good in details, very professional view from a fighter pilot point of view, very good background history about the origin of the Battle of Britain and the battle itself. just an excellent book.

Perhaps the greatest strength of this book lies not so much in its description of the Battle of Britain as its description of the events leading up to it. Townsend's description of the history of military aviation is outstanding. The reader may be surprised to learn the extent that the Germans, already in WWI, had used planes not only as military weapons, but also as tools for the terror-bombing of civilians.

Townsend also provides a fine history of the RAF and Luftwaffe. One learns, for instance, of the Treaty of Rapallo. It had a secret provision that allowed "disarmed" interwar Germany to operate three large, clandestine military bases in the Soviet Union. (pp. 48-49).

The author's analysis of the performance of the Polish Air Force in the 1939 Polish-German war is contradictory and self-refuting. On the one hand, he repeats the myth that the Polish Air Force was destroyed in the first few days of the war. (p. 287). On the other hand, he recognizes the fact that the Polish Air Force was still fighting the Germans as of September 8th. (p. 187). In actuality, the Polish Air Force lasted over two weeks. Polish pilots were among the evacuees who made it to France and later to England. Unfortunately, the author also repeats the myth of Polish lancers charging German tanks. (p. 187)

Townsend's treatment of the Polish pilots in the RAF does not begin to do justice to them. They are mentioned only briefly (pp. 365-366) in that they broke ranks of RAF aircraft in order to successfully attack some German airplanes. The reader gets no hint of the fact that the Polish pilots played a decisive role in the Allied victory in the Battle of Britain. Please click on 303 Squadron: The Legendary Battle of Britain Fighter Squadron, and read the Peczkis review.

This work concludes with the statement of an unidentified Nazi leader, who, just before his hanging, said: "A thousand years may pass, but still the guilt of Germany will not be wiped out." (p. 423). Townsend could have done a little research to inform the reader that the German leader in question was Hans Frank, the Butcher of Poland, who was one of the main defendants in the Nuremberg Trials, and who was sentenced to death by this court.

English Ace, Peter Townsend's examination of the Battle of Britain. Cleverly written, Townsend follows the careers of both himself and his German opponents amidst the backdrop of WWII. Of particular note is his excellent discussion of the fledgling Luftwaffe and RAF during their formative years. "WWII Aviation Booklist" http://www.ampsc.com/~prophet/booklist.html

The best account I have read of the Battle of Britain. Besides understanding the strategy, successes and gaffs of the British and Germans, you learn of the battle through the eyes and recollections of pilots on both sides of the conflict. This makes this read highly personalized.

This is a truly excellent book. I have loved it since it appeared in 1970. I have some knowledge of the literature and technology of the RAF of this period; my father flew for them, and my cousins were killed as RAF pilots. They would have called this "Pukka Gen" -- RAF slang for totally correct information. Of great interest to me was the description of the development of the RAF and Luftwaffe before the duel began. The author writes with humanity and with graceful style. Highly recommended.

This book is an absolute marvel and delight to read.It provides a different point of view and sometimes very different opinion about events encountered by the author.I highly recommend it to all those seeking more detailed insight into RAF in this period

Duel was written long before most of the books now in print by Peter Townsend, BofB squadron leader, then Equerry to the Queen and Princess Margaret's lost love. Despite the author's fame for more than his flying, Townsend produced a wonderfully researched and written account of not only the Battle but also the development of the two air forces and their pilots. In addition to tracing the careers of the major participants it brings the epic conflict to life through insights into and from the pilots on both sides who fought the Battle. Duel really stands the test of time. While, of course, it lacks some of the material in later books which came to light after its publication it has an authenticity that only a participant can bring. It is required reading for anyone who is interested in that halcyon summer.

This book kept me enthralled from the very beginning. Despite the fact that I knew how the Battle of Britain turned out, it was great to learn how it was from the perspective of a British subject. Most of the WWII books I read are written by an American and we learn how things were from their perspective.