Author Dilip Sarkar MBE, FRHistS, FRAeS visited the Memorial on Battle of Britain Day to help launch the book that marks the halfway stage in his epic, eight-volume official history of the 1940s aerial conflict that changed the course of the second world war.
Book four of the series, which is being published by Pen & Sword Airworld in association with the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, is called Airfields Under Attack and covers events between 19 August and 6 September 1940.
As with the other books in the eight-part history, the book reflects diligent research that has unearthed some interesting questions and in some cases prompted a reevaluation of some aspects of the Battle by Dilip, who has already written scores of books on the subject.
In a talk to an audience at the Memorial after the Battle of Britain Day Service of Commemoration at Capel-le-Ferne on 15 September, Dilip discussed some of the 'facts' his research has led him to question, including the fundamental question of the dates of the Battle.
While the official dates set by Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding are 10 July to 31 October, Dilip calls those into question.
"There is a clear case to suggest that the Battle of Britain started on 2 July, not 10 July,” he pointed out, “and if it was supposed to have been a battle for aerial superiority prior to an invasion, the end date should really be 12 October, when Hitler postponed his invasion plans indefinitely, not the 31st.”
With the first four books in the series now published (and available in the Trust's online shop), and volumes five to eight already written, Dilip has created a one million word masterpiece that tells the whole story of the Battle alongside the politics and diplomacy of the time, the home front and the contributions made by Bomber and Coastal Commands and by the Royal Navy.
He said: “It’s been a learning curve for me, as well as a chance to bring all my previous knowledge and interviews together. The eight volumes will include a number of new interpretations of the Battle of Britain and its impact on world history.”
Dilip has also set up a YouTube channel where he shares podcasts and videos inspired by the project. It’s at https://youtube.com/@battleofbritain_DilipSarkar?si=kPUuW-Pf80QyzdCs
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