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Duel of Eagles: The Classic Pilot's Account of the Battle of Britain
'REMARKABLE' Sunday Times -- 'A FINE BOOK' Len Deighton
'The greatest book on the Battle of Britain ever written' Wayne Davies
In May 1940, Group Captain Peter Townsend took command of 85 Squadron, tasked with preparing it for the defence of Great Britain against German bombers.
It was the beginning of the long, hot, lethal summer in which the RAF and the Luftwaffe fought to the death over England in the furious conflict which ultimately saved Britain from Nazi invasion.
Peter Townsend's epic DUEL OF EAGLES is widely acknowledged as the classic account of the Battle of Britain - the desperate, defining clash which would become one of the greatest triumphs in British military history.
***
‘If I were going to choose a single book to cover the Battle of Britain in a comprehensive manner I would choose DUEL OF EAGLES’ Daily Telegraph
‘A remarkable exercise in research at air-crew levels. He writes of air combat with verve and at times almost with poetry’ Sunday Times
‘Lively and well written … encompasses moments of exhilaration and terror’ Kirkus Reviews
***
Peter Townsend was born in Rangoon, Burma in 1914. He trained at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell from 1933 to 1935. He served with No 1 and No 43 Squadron and in May 1940 took command of No 85 Squadron leading it into the Battle of Britain with outstanding skill and determination. Townsend enjoyed an equally distinguished peacetime career, serving as Equerry to King George VI, from 1944 until his death in 1952. Following his ill-fated relationship with Princess Margaret, Townsend began a new life in France where he turned to writing and settled happily with his family until 1995 when he died at the age of 80.
'The greatest book on the Battle of Britain ever written' Wayne Davies
In May 1940, Group Captain Peter Townsend took command of 85 Squadron, tasked with preparing it for the defence of Great Britain against German bombers.
It was the beginning of the long, hot, lethal summer in which the RAF and the Luftwaffe fought to the death over England in the furious conflict which ultimately saved Britain from Nazi invasion.
Peter Townsend's epic DUEL OF EAGLES is widely acknowledged as the classic account of the Battle of Britain - the desperate, defining clash which would become one of the greatest triumphs in British military history.
***
‘If I were going to choose a single book to cover the Battle of Britain in a comprehensive manner I would choose DUEL OF EAGLES’ Daily Telegraph
‘A remarkable exercise in research at air-crew levels. He writes of air combat with verve and at times almost with poetry’ Sunday Times
‘Lively and well written … encompasses moments of exhilaration and terror’ Kirkus Reviews
***
Peter Townsend was born in Rangoon, Burma in 1914. He trained at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell from 1933 to 1935. He served with No 1 and No 43 Squadron and in May 1940 took command of No 85 Squadron leading it into the Battle of Britain with outstanding skill and determination. Townsend enjoyed an equally distinguished peacetime career, serving as Equerry to King George VI, from 1944 until his death in 1952. Following his ill-fated relationship with Princess Margaret, Townsend began a new life in France where he turned to writing and settled happily with his family until 1995 when he died at the age of 80.
577 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2021
332 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Peter Townsend
27 books15 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Group Captain Peter Wooldridge Townsend, CVO, DSO, DFC and Bar, RAF was Equerry to King George VI 1944–1952 and held the same position for Queen Elizabeth II 1952–1953. Townsend is best known for his ill-fated romance with Princess Margaret. Despite his distinguished career, as a divorced man there was no chance of marriage with the princess and their relationship caused enormous controversy in the mid 1950s.
Peter Townsend spent much of his later years writing non-fiction books. His books include "Earth My Friend" (about driving/boating around the world alone in the mid 1950s), "Duel of Eagles," (about the Battle of Britain), "The Odds Against Us" (also known as "Duel in the Dark") (about fighting Luftwaffe night bombers in 1940-1941), "The Last Emperor" (A biography of King George VI), The Girl in the White Ship (about a young refugee from Vietnam in the late 1970s who was the sole survivor of her ship of refugees), The Postman of Nagasaki (about the atomic bombing of Nagasaki), and Time and Chance, (an autobiography). He also wrote many short articles and contributed to other books. [wikipedia]
Group Captain Peter Wooldridge Townsend, CVO, DSO, DFC and Bar, RAF was Equerry to King George VI 1944–1952 and held the same position for Queen Elizabeth II 1952–1953. Townsend is best known for his ill-fated romance with Princess Margaret. Despite his distinguished career, as a divorced man there was no chance of marriage with the princess and their relationship caused enormous controversy in the mid 1950s.
Peter Townsend spent much of his later years writing non-fiction books. His books include "Earth My Friend" (about driving/boating around the world alone in the mid 1950s), "Duel of Eagles," (about the Battle of Britain), "The Odds Against Us" (also known as "Duel in the Dark") (about fighting Luftwaffe night bombers in 1940-1941), "The Last Emperor" (A biography of King George VI), The Girl in the White Ship (about a young refugee from Vietnam in the late 1970s who was the sole survivor of her ship of refugees), The Postman of Nagasaki (about the atomic bombing of Nagasaki), and Time and Chance, (an autobiography). He also wrote many short articles and contributed to other books. [wikipedia]
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 24, 2022
Duel of Eagles attempts to straddle a grand history of the Battle of Britain with individual pilot accounts, and doesn't quite manage to do justice to either of them. While a solid history, it's likely been supplanted by more recent works.
The story starts back in the First World War, with the initial Zeppelin bombing raids on England and the organization of the Royal Air Force, and then ambles through the 1920s and 30s as various pilots come of age and become obsessed with flying, everybody cuts defense budgets, Hitler rises to power, and Germany embarks on a genocidal war of conquest. The Fall of France happens about half of the way through, to give you an idea of the pacing.
The grand history is one of RAF commander Dowding against Goering's Luffwaffe. Britain had a just barely sufficient defensive system, with a small margin of modern fighters, but more importantly a chain of radars and observes integrated into central command posts such that Hurricane and Spitfire squadrons could be vectored on to incoming bombers. Dowding had internal enemies to match the Nazis; political superiors who had underinvested in defense for years, and insubordinate commanders who favored a "Big Wing" tactic of massed defense too slow to repel bombers. But the main enemy was Goering, who along with numerous personal weaknesses, addiction, emotional volatility, not being very smart, being a Nazi, etc., had to contend with an airforce operating at the end of its range, and constantly shifting strategic objectives. Townsend argues that attacks on airfields and radar very much had fighter command on the ropes, when an RAF bombing of Berlin caused retaliatory bombing of London and other "strategic" targets to prepare for the invasion of England. If the Luftwaffe had fought an air superiority campaign, they might have won!
This story is all very interesting, but handled better in Korda's With Wings Like Eagles (a much younger Korda is acknowledged by Townsend for help with the research). Where Townsend has unique insight is that he was an RAF fighter pilot who fought in the Battle of Britain, and could tell the stories of his comrades and the enemy pilots as their peer. The personal narratives are fascinating, but there's not enough for a thorough oral history, and while Townsend is a serviceable writer, he's not quite up to the grandeur of flight and sudden death in the air.
While somewhat obsolete, this book is a still worth a look for the airpower buff.
The story starts back in the First World War, with the initial Zeppelin bombing raids on England and the organization of the Royal Air Force, and then ambles through the 1920s and 30s as various pilots come of age and become obsessed with flying, everybody cuts defense budgets, Hitler rises to power, and Germany embarks on a genocidal war of conquest. The Fall of France happens about half of the way through, to give you an idea of the pacing.
The grand history is one of RAF commander Dowding against Goering's Luffwaffe. Britain had a just barely sufficient defensive system, with a small margin of modern fighters, but more importantly a chain of radars and observes integrated into central command posts such that Hurricane and Spitfire squadrons could be vectored on to incoming bombers. Dowding had internal enemies to match the Nazis; political superiors who had underinvested in defense for years, and insubordinate commanders who favored a "Big Wing" tactic of massed defense too slow to repel bombers. But the main enemy was Goering, who along with numerous personal weaknesses, addiction, emotional volatility, not being very smart, being a Nazi, etc., had to contend with an airforce operating at the end of its range, and constantly shifting strategic objectives. Townsend argues that attacks on airfields and radar very much had fighter command on the ropes, when an RAF bombing of Berlin caused retaliatory bombing of London and other "strategic" targets to prepare for the invasion of England. If the Luftwaffe had fought an air superiority campaign, they might have won!
This story is all very interesting, but handled better in Korda's With Wings Like Eagles (a much younger Korda is acknowledged by Townsend for help with the research). Where Townsend has unique insight is that he was an RAF fighter pilot who fought in the Battle of Britain, and could tell the stories of his comrades and the enemy pilots as their peer. The personal narratives are fascinating, but there's not enough for a thorough oral history, and while Townsend is a serviceable writer, he's not quite up to the grandeur of flight and sudden death in the air.
While somewhat obsolete, this book is a still worth a look for the airpower buff.
June 16, 2023
My mom and elder sister are Royal Family enthusiasts, so I knew of Peter Townsend and his ill-fated romance with Princess Margaret.
Now he in this book, he wrote his first hand experiences of early days of WW2 in air meshed with the formations of RAF and Luftwaffe.
Very interesting read for an aviation fan.
Now he in this book, he wrote his first hand experiences of early days of WW2 in air meshed with the formations of RAF and Luftwaffe.
Very interesting read for an aviation fan.
March 11, 2024
Wenn man geschichtlich interessiert ist, ist „Duel Of Esgles“ das perfekte Buch über die Luftschlacht um England
February 21, 2022
Interesting perspective
The book nicely details not only the Battle of Britain, but the events leading up to the maturation of the RAF and the Luftwaffe following the conclusion of the First World War. The book is replete with many short anecdotes from those who were there, both English and German. The author’s personal tale is woven into the historical events, which made the book particularly interesting. However, if you are primarily interested in a tale that makes you feel as if you are in the cockpit, this is not the book for you.
One downside to a book of this scope is the magnitude of characters depicted and the difficulty of recalling them as the book progresses.
The book nicely details not only the Battle of Britain, but the events leading up to the maturation of the RAF and the Luftwaffe following the conclusion of the First World War. The book is replete with many short anecdotes from those who were there, both English and German. The author’s personal tale is woven into the historical events, which made the book particularly interesting. However, if you are primarily interested in a tale that makes you feel as if you are in the cockpit, this is not the book for you.
One downside to a book of this scope is the magnitude of characters depicted and the difficulty of recalling them as the book progresses.
January 7, 2022
A Growing Force
I was open-mouthed learning the lengths of subterfuge and duplicity pursued by Germany to conceal airplane construction and pilots training. The extent to which British engine manufacturers were tapped was amazing.
Apparently turf wars occurred between various branches of the military on both sides. Hitler and Goering generally kept that in check. However quite a struggle took place within British services as there was no recognized airforce in the beginning.
Churchill supported creation of a separate entity, but several years passed as both the Navy and Army wanted their "piece of the pie" without any development of a Royal Air Force.
Battle scenes drew this reader directly into the action.
I was open-mouthed learning the lengths of subterfuge and duplicity pursued by Germany to conceal airplane construction and pilots training. The extent to which British engine manufacturers were tapped was amazing.
Apparently turf wars occurred between various branches of the military on both sides. Hitler and Goering generally kept that in check. However quite a struggle took place within British services as there was no recognized airforce in the beginning.
Churchill supported creation of a separate entity, but several years passed as both the Navy and Army wanted their "piece of the pie" without any development of a Royal Air Force.
Battle scenes drew this reader directly into the action.
July 3, 2022
Long, detailed, and informative. But honestly, far too long and detailed. It spends half the book chronicling the creation of the Luftwaffe, the inter-war RAF, and the politics of appeasement before it even gets to the Battle of Britain, then it seems to consist of a series of one-page anecdotes about "and then this squadron went into action at this place and this pilot had this experience." Which is interesting up to a point but then becomes very repetitive.
December 17, 2022
I absolutely loved it but what an amazing experience that must have been and how terrifying to be up against such ridiculous odds like Luftwaffe bombers and fighters stacked high in the sky during the Battle of Britain. These were all bent on destroying England’s resistance to the Nazi threat and on obliterating our cities, particularly ports and aerodromes to disrupt trade and the ability of the RAF to protect the country. This is a first-hand account by Peter Townsend and details the resilience of his squadron and the merits of Lord Beaverbrook in keeping the aircraft available despite the heavy losses.
However against the Luftwaffe we had radar, Goering was woefully incompetent as the Luftwaffe supremo, Hitler wanted to give the orders although he had no experience of aerial combat and the Luftwaffe security chief, Beppo Schmid had no idea what was happening anywhere and could only give sketchy and meaningless information both to Hitler and Goering.
Although outnumbered we did have pilots from all over the world to help us as we were desperately short of skilled aviators as the Battle of Britain progressed. Lord Beaverbrook made sure the aircraft were replaced as fast as possible and the ground crews kept them running no matter what.
An extraordinary story of the time and living near Kenley Aerodrome I have a constant reminder of the battle waged, the courage in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds and the skill and efforts of all involved. Every time I walk on the common around the airfield I say a fervent “thank -you” to the “Few”.
However against the Luftwaffe we had radar, Goering was woefully incompetent as the Luftwaffe supremo, Hitler wanted to give the orders although he had no experience of aerial combat and the Luftwaffe security chief, Beppo Schmid had no idea what was happening anywhere and could only give sketchy and meaningless information both to Hitler and Goering.
Although outnumbered we did have pilots from all over the world to help us as we were desperately short of skilled aviators as the Battle of Britain progressed. Lord Beaverbrook made sure the aircraft were replaced as fast as possible and the ground crews kept them running no matter what.
An extraordinary story of the time and living near Kenley Aerodrome I have a constant reminder of the battle waged, the courage in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds and the skill and efforts of all involved. Every time I walk on the common around the airfield I say a fervent “thank -you” to the “Few”.
December 30, 2022
Excellent account of the Battle of Britain and rise and subsequent failures of the Luftwaffe. Left my wondering who saved Britain from defeat Churchill or Dowding. I think I now know the answer. The only criticism I would make is of the constant relating to England when all UK was under threat and involved in the Battle of Britain as were many nations brave young men.
All interested in the Battle of Britain and the leaders on both sides and of the folly of some of them.
All interested in the Battle of Britain and the leaders on both sides and of the folly of some of them.
October 4, 2021
Incisive and deeply gripping
The author explains the behind the scenes story of the roots of the Battle of Britain going back to the First World War and gives an unvarnished eyewitness account of the terror and pride of the Valiant Few who were all that stood between freedom and disaster in the dark summer and fall of the Battle of Britain.
The author explains the behind the scenes story of the roots of the Battle of Britain going back to the First World War and gives an unvarnished eyewitness account of the terror and pride of the Valiant Few who were all that stood between freedom and disaster in the dark summer and fall of the Battle of Britain.
September 7, 2022
I read this book to make the historical allegory with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As someone once said history doesn't repeat but it does rhyme. The RAF fought with imagination, creativity and intelligence that allowed it to hold its own against a far more (at that point) powerful enemy. I think the rhyme is a strong one.
December 6, 2021
Without a doubt the most complete story of the Battle of Britain
A story impossible to put down for a WW2 veterans son whose father fought in the air war years after the Battle. Well worth the time to read and it again reminds us of why this was the "Greatest Generation."
A story impossible to put down for a WW2 veterans son whose father fought in the air war years after the Battle. Well worth the time to read and it again reminds us of why this was the "Greatest Generation."
January 11, 2023
Totally enthralling to read
A must for anyone interested in this period of history the book is written not only with a view to the politicians and generals of the era but also to those who did the fighting in the Battle of Britain
An excellent read
A must for anyone interested in this period of history the book is written not only with a view to the politicians and generals of the era but also to those who did the fighting in the Battle of Britain
An excellent read
June 7, 2023
Awesome Book
This was a awesome book and the book was well written and the author had added some interesting details and I enjoyed hearing from the German points of view. I enjoyed reading this book. I was the author said more about what happened after the war.
This was a awesome book and the book was well written and the author had added some interesting details and I enjoyed hearing from the German points of view. I enjoyed reading this book. I was the author said more about what happened after the war.
October 2, 2023
Great WWII read!
This book makes the reader an insider at the Battle of Britain, and gives insights to both German and British points of view. The author was a participant in the Battle.
This book makes the reader an insider at the Battle of Britain, and gives insights to both German and British points of view. The author was a participant in the Battle.
December 26, 2023
A brilliant Battle of Britain memoir, part very personal, part tactical, and part strategic. It is very clear why this excellent book was a primary source of the 1969 "Battle of Britain" film, presenting the challenges and drama of the Battle in an easy to understand narrative.
January 3, 2024
Living the Battle of Britain
One of the more active books I've read about the air war in the Battle of Britain. Fascinating story with the disturbing truth about how the jealousy of bureaucratic officers treated real heroes of the sky.
One of the more active books I've read about the air war in the Battle of Britain. Fascinating story with the disturbing truth about how the jealousy of bureaucratic officers treated real heroes of the sky.
December 30, 2021
An excellent summary
What a work of review! This was an eye opener for me and I believed I had a fair understanding of the conduct of the B of B.
What a work of review! This was an eye opener for me and I believed I had a fair understanding of the conduct of the B of B.
January 9, 2022
good read
As an ex. Air craft fitter this book was a reminder to me of my living through the ww11 and seeing the air battles from Suffolk.
As an ex. Air craft fitter this book was a reminder to me of my living through the ww11 and seeing the air battles from Suffolk.
August 16, 2022
I was expecting a more personal account from the author but have given up A good history but few pilots Stories
September 5, 2022
A first hand account of the Battle of Britain and what it meant to have fought alone against the “German Might” in the period of 1939- 1940. It’s a five star read.
January 9, 2023
Great read, especially the between wars years and how Germany grew and we stagnated
October 25, 2023
Sometimes a little difficult to follow as it's difficult to remember who all the pilots are, but this is a superb account of the Battle of Britain
November 15, 2023
Interesting view
An interesting view from both sides of the conflict. A Well written and easily readable account of the greatest air battle of the time.
An interesting view from both sides of the conflict. A Well written and easily readable account of the greatest air battle of the time.
March 18, 2025
Very well researched. The book provides great detail on both the history of the RAF and the Luftwaffe from the First World War up to the ending of the Battle of Britain.
August 11, 2022
The battle
An incredible account of the air battle for Englands survival. The detail from both German and English sides opens one’s eyes to the personalities and conflict in government and military decision making plus the courage of youth.
Without doubt a historical record that should be compulsory reading for all that harbour aggression and a state of war
An incredible account of the air battle for Englands survival. The detail from both German and English sides opens one’s eyes to the personalities and conflict in government and military decision making plus the courage of youth.
Without doubt a historical record that should be compulsory reading for all that harbour aggression and a state of war
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews