- Publisher: Pen & Sword
- Year: 2022
- Format: Paperback
- Pages: 252pp
- Illustrated: Yes
- Dimensions: 233x155mm
- Condition: New
- Weight: 0.5kg
- ISBN: 9781399075015
- Product code: 537288
Ben Bennions DFC
Battle of Britain Fighter Ace
Nick Thomas New Paperback Illustrated
Postscript summary
Born in Stoke-on-Trent, George ‘Ben’ Bennions (1913–2004) joined the RAF in 1929. Based on official records and interviews with his family, this biography tells how he attacked a squadron of 40 Messerschmitts in the Battle of Britain before being forced to bail out. Despite losing an eye, he determined to continue flying, and was wounded again in the 1943 Italian landings.
Product information
Full publisher description
Ben Bennion enlisted in the pre-war RAF, serving first as an 'erk' before being selected for pilot training. His first posting led to service in the Middle -East and Bennion's passport and other travel documents had to be rushed through. A clerical error led to his name being recorded as 'Bennions'.
Ben served in 41 Squadron and, following their overseas tour he returned to the UK and Catterick. Patrols and scrambles were common throughout the early months of the war, but it was in May 1940, that 41 Squadron first saw the enemy in any number, providing air cover for the retreating BEF. The Dunkirk operations saw Bennions record his first combat victory - he was to damage or destroy 20 plus enemy aircraft during the following months, earning the DFC and becoming one of the RAF's top scorers. The squadron alternated between Catterick and Hornchurch, and although Bennions was afforded some rest between operational periods, the frontline the sorties came thick and fast, particularly during the latter phases of the battle of Britain when Bennions was flying several patrols and scramble every day. His tally grew steadily. His much deserved DFC was promulgated on 1 October 1940, the day he was due to begin a short period of leave, however, he decided to have one last crack at the enemy and during this engagement, adding another Messerschmitt BF 109 to his total, he was hit and forced to bale out. Badly wounded in the head, Bennions lost an eye and became one of Sir Archibald McKindoe's Guinea pigs.
Ben served in 41 Squadron and, following their overseas tour he returned to the UK and Catterick. Patrols and scrambles were common throughout the early months of the war, but it was in May 1940, that 41 Squadron first saw the enemy in any number, providing air cover for the retreating BEF. The Dunkirk operations saw Bennions record his first combat victory - he was to damage or destroy 20 plus enemy aircraft during the following months, earning the DFC and becoming one of the RAF's top scorers. The squadron alternated between Catterick and Hornchurch, and although Bennions was afforded some rest between operational periods, the frontline the sorties came thick and fast, particularly during the latter phases of the battle of Britain when Bennions was flying several patrols and scramble every day. His tally grew steadily. His much deserved DFC was promulgated on 1 October 1940, the day he was due to begin a short period of leave, however, he decided to have one last crack at the enemy and during this engagement, adding another Messerschmitt BF 109 to his total, he was hit and forced to bale out. Badly wounded in the head, Bennions lost an eye and became one of Sir Archibald McKindoe's Guinea pigs.
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537288
Ben Bennions DFC
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/History/Military History/Categories/World War Two
/History/Military History/Categories/Air Forces
/History
Born in Stoke-on-Trent, George ‘Ben’ Bennions (1913–2004) joined the RAF in 1929. Based on official records and interviews with his family, this biography tells how he attacked a squadron of 40 Messerschmitts in the Battle of Britain before being forced to bail out. Despite losing an eye, he determined to continue flying, and was wounded again in the 1943 Italian landings.
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rrp_info:£14.99
productId:155397
bic_code:BGH, HBWQ, JWG
BGH, HBWQ, JWG
£14.99
Nick Thomas
General
233x155mm
Pen & Sword
No
Paperback
Second World War
