Duel of Eagles: The Classic Account of the Battle of Britain Paperback – 24 Jun. 2021

This is the best book about the Battle of Britain I have read. It’s very very long but the amount of background information is amazing, virtually day by day throughout the battle, some people may find it heavy going but the research and personal knowledge really stands out. Peter Townsend took part in the battle in a very big way and it shows.

If you are an aviation history buff, or just like reading a compelling true story, then this book is the Gold Standard. Tracking the history of the RAF and Luftwaffe from inception to the end of WW11 Townsend tells the story in a book you just can’t put down. The fact he himself was an ace, and knew or got to know many of the Leading characters further adds a personal touch to the tale.

I admit I would not have read this but for the notoriety of the author's later involvement with Priness Margaret, Well written it offered unexpected insight into the internal struggles of the evolution of the RAF and its leading figures. However I was left with an unanswered question about who won the 'Big Wing debate'.While the chivalrous concern for enemy pilots Townsend fought with is notable, his detailed narrative about them and the fruits of his post war delving into their stories, his deep probing into the history of the Luftwaffe can be too detailed.Nevertheless a very good read

A truly wonderful read, especially for anyone who wishes to learn how/why WW2 materialised from WW1; the latter supposed to have been the ‘war to end all wars’: written in meticulous detail by a man who experienced a lot both before and afterwards!

Excellent read. I never imagined the death toll was so high on both sides of the conflict. We had a B.OB pilot in our family, however, like so many who served in all theatres of that war including my own father, no one wanted to recount the horrors they suffered and witnessed. I would have to agree with the person who said this was our greatest generation.

For anyone interested in the history of fighter command or of the reality of The Battle of Britain this is essential reading. Carefully researched and told from both sides this is a thorough and honest retelling of a story we all think we know. This is not a glorification of war but a detailed eye witness account of how the battle unfolded from both sides .It will make you understand just how narrow the margins of victory were.

A very interesting account from a man better known for his royal connections

Well researched and well written as it brings these now legendary events to brutal life. Leaves me in awe of the man both his deeds and humanity.