The Few: The American "Knights Of The Air" Who Risked Everything To Fight In The Battle Of Britain

This was an excellent read about "The Few" Americans that joined Great Britain to fly and fight against the Nazi's before America joined the WWII. Kershaw adds depth by including not only the American experience but also the accounts of the British and German pilots. The book contains many individuals and it's hard to keep them all straight. Yet, Kershaw's research was marvelous.

In 1940 Germany seemed unstoppable as it rolled over its neighbors. American ambassador to England Joseph Kennedy (father of JFK) was outspoken in his belief that England would not last long, and urged Churchill and seek peace terms and FDR to keep out of the conflict. But while FDR declared American neutrality, a few pilots clandestinely made their way to England to volunteer their services in Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF). They risked not only the law, which made it illegal to serve in the armed forces of other nations, but also their lives in flying against accomplished German Messerschmitt pilots. And while cheating the Grim Reaper was fun while it lasted, most of them gave their lives for the cause they made their own.

This is a show more wonderfully inspirational history of the American pilots who flew for the RAF. But author Alex Kershaw adds depth by including not only the American experience but also the accounts of the British and German pilots. He presents the men as they were - not always brave and seldom fearless - but as heroes who helped turn the tide. Eventually the American government turned a blind eye and quietly "allowed" Americans to serve in "Eagle Squadrons," but those few who broke the law for a higher cause get the star treatment here. And Kershaw's account of the Battle of Britain is especially exciting as Hurricanes, Spitfires, and Messerschmitts tangle in the skies. I listened to the audio book, and while reader Scott Brick does an admirable job he often sounds a bit too dramatic in his reading. Additionally, I think reading the print version of this book would be a little easier to keep individuals separated in my mind. But I'm impressed with Kershaw's ability to tell a story and will certainly look for his other books (I've had The Longest Winter on my shelf unread for too long already). show less

In 1940 Germany seemed unstoppable as it rolled over its neighbors. American ambassador to England Joseph Kennedy (father of JFK) was outspoken in his belief that England would not last long, and urged Churchill and seek peace terms and FDR to keep out of the conflict. But while FDR declared American neutrality, a few pilots clandestinely made their way to England to volunteer their services in Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF). They risked not only the law, which made it illegal to serve in the armed forces of other nations, but also their lives in flying against accomplished German Messerschmitt pilots. And while cheating the Grim Reaper was fun while it lasted, most of them gave their lives for the cause they made their own.

This is a show more wonderfully inspirational history of the American pilots who flew for the RAF. But author Alex Kershaw adds depth by including not only the American experience but also the accounts of the British and German pilots. He presents the men as they were - not always brave and seldom fearless - but as heroes who helped turn the tide. Eventually the American government turned a blind eye and quietly "allowed" Americans to serve in "Eagle Squadrons," but those few who broke the law for a higher cause get the star treatment here. And Kershaw's account of the Battle of Britain is especially exciting as Hurricanes, Spitfires, and Messerschmitts tangle in the skies. I listened to the audio book, and while reader Scott Brick does an admirable job he often sounds a bit too dramatic in his reading. Additionally, I think reading the print version of this book would be a little easier to keep individuals separated in my mind. But I'm impressed with Kershaw's ability to tell a story and will certainly look for his other books (I've had The Longest Winter on my shelf unread for too long already). show less

In 1940 Germany seemed unstoppable as it rolled over its neighbors. American ambassador to England Joseph Kennedy (father of JFK) was outspoken in his belief that England would not last long, and urged Churchill and seek peace terms and FDR to keep out of the conflict. But while FDR declared American neutrality, a few pilots clandestinely made their way to England to volunteer their services in Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF). They risked not only the law, which made it illegal to serve in the armed forces of other nations, but also their lives in flying against accomplished German Messerschmitt pilots. And while cheating the Grim Reaper was fun while it lasted, most of them gave their lives for the cause they made their own.

This is a show more wonderfully inspirational history of the American pilots who flew for the RAF. But author Alex Kershaw adds depth by including not only the American experience but also the accounts of the British and German pilots. He presents the men as they were - not always brave and seldom fearless - but as heroes who helped turn the tide. Eventually the American government turned a blind eye and quietly "allowed" Americans to serve in "Eagle Squadrons," but those few who broke the law for a higher cause get the star treatment here. And Kershaw's account of the Battle of Britain is especially exciting as Hurricanes, Spitfires, and Messerschmitts tangle in the skies. I listened to the audio book, and while reader Scott Brick does an admirable job he often sounds a bit too dramatic in his reading. Additionally, I think reading the print version of this book would be a little easier to keep individuals separated in my mind. But I'm impressed with Kershaw's ability to tell a story and will certainly look for his other books (I've had The Longest Winter on my shelf unread for too long already). show less

Excellent book, writing flows and reads like a novel. Kershaw does an excellent job of telling the struggle of not only the British but the Americans who volunteered to fly and fight with them.

Like The Longest Winter, a incredibly detailed yet highly readable story of the Americans who fought (violating the Neutrality Laws) in the Battle of Britain. The details of actual dogfights I found confusing but the times really came alive for me. The only hard part was the not suprising part, so few of the few survived. Given the mortatlity in the RAF, it 's not suprising but it was hard to hear about the end of all but one of them. Still, Kershaw seems to have a knack for making the history come alive, I should check out a few more of his books.

Excellent book, writing flows and reads like a novel. Kershaw does an excellent job of telling the struggle of not only the British but the Americans who volunteered to fly and fight with them.