Dowding’s Despatch

In September 1946, the London Gazette published a dispatch from Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh C T Dowding that was titled simply: "The Battle of Britain". Written and submitted to the Air Ministry in 1941, this document became the very framework for the accepted Battle of Britain narrative that has been established across the following 80 years. Set out by the leader of the "Few" himself, its authoritative tone could surely be considered a definitive outline of the battle, how it was fought, and the eventual outcome. It even retrospectively set the dates for the commencement and conclusion of the campaign.

In this work, Andy Saunders takes a critical look at Dowding's dispatch and analyzes the facts and details contained in that important document. He also puts "flesh on the bones" of the matters that the former commander in chief of RAF Fighter Command outlines, adding intriguing historical detail and perspective to the 1946 publication. Additionally, Andy looks at the behind-the-scenes machinations at the highest levels of government and Air Ministry before the dispatch finally saw the light of day. As a historical document, Dowding's London Gazette dispatch is worthy of the critical analysis and factual expansion that the author provides in what is a uniquely different look at the Battle of Britain.