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HUGH DOWDING

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:120.00 USD Estimated At:250.00 - 350.00 USD
HUGH DOWDING
HUGH DOWDING
(1882 - 1970) Royal Air Force officer. Dowding was Air Officer Commanding RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain, and is generally credited with playing a crucial role in Britain's defense, and hence, the defeat of Hitler's plan to invade Britain. He was unwillingly replaced in November 1940. DOWDING'S FAREWELL TO HIS "FIGHTER BOYS" Fine content D.S., a printed message sent by Dowding to R.A.F. fighter pilots following his dismissal in November, 1940, in part: "My Dear Fighter Boys, In sending you this my last message, I wish I could say all that is in my heart. I cannot hope to surpass the simple eloquence of the Prime Ministers words, ?Never before has so much been owed by so many to so few.' The debt remains and will increase. In saying good-bye to you I want you to know how continually you have been in my thoughts...Good-bye to you and God bless you all...." Framed with a WWII period photo of Dowding. Provenance: From the collection of the late Malcolm Smith, the long-time assistant secretary to the Battle of Britain Association; The War Museum.