AUTHOR OF ‘ENEMY SIGHTED’ REVEALS NEW FEATURE AT THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN BUNKER

In this photograph taken last week at the Battle of Britain Bunker in Uxbridge, Dilip Amin, the author of ‘Enemy Sighted’ and a volunteer tour guide there, shows off the replica of a vital piece of equipment that has been added to the historic Operations Room – the control panel for the status boards that dominate the back wall.

As the aerial activity builds on 15 September 1940, the Spitfires of 72 and 92 Squadrons are above the enemy. They are 3,000 feet above the top cover of Messerschmitt 109 fighters and 4,000 feet above the enemy bombers; the defenders have the tactical advantage.

Flight Lieutenant John ‘Pancho’ Villa leading 72 Squadron calls out, ‘Tennis Squadron. Tally Ho!’ The Spitfires move into line astern and dive down on the fighters from out of the sun, drawing them away from the bombers they are protecting, leaving them to face head on attacks by pairs of Hurricane squadrons now joining the fray.

The Sector Controller, listening on the radio at Biggin Hill, now knows that the enemy have been sighted and are being engaged. The message is relayed to the Ops ‘B’ team at Uxbridge, who illuminate the red ‘Enemy Sighted’ lights under 72 and 92 Squadrons. This informs the Senior Controller … and Winston Churchill, who is present as an observer … that the first engagements of the day are taking place, 25,000 feet over Dungeness … The game is on!

If you would like to learn more about how an underground Bunker helped win the Battle of Britain, then join one of Dilip’s special Historical Tours at the place where it all happened.

For more information see the Battle of Britain Bunker. 

Order Enemy Sighted here.