The Few and the Many

There is talk this 70th summer since the Battle of Britain of a memorial to the Spitfire. The Hurricane, more numerous and chalking up more victories never caught the public's imagination in the same way. The last Hurricane built is flown by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and is known as "The last of the Many."

One of the Few - the fighter pilots who fought above Southern England in the Summer of 1940 - was Sqn Leader Peter Townsend, (L 1928.1) officer commanding 85 Squadron. He later became very well known through his association with Princess Margaret. Here he is seen clambering into his Hurricane during the Battle.

The picture is from the site of the Cambridge Bomber and Fighter Society which collects a number of memories of Peter Townsend which is well worth a visit.

The following text is from this site:

Peter Townsend was posted from 43 Squadron to 85 Squadron in May 1940 to take command at Debden and to proceed with the task of reforming the squadron and bringing it up to operational efficiency. Townsend did many operational sorties and one timely escape from a canon shell which went through glycol tank and exploded in the cockpit, injuring his left foot. He survived the Battle of Britain and was doing operational duties as a night fighter. Later on, 17 July 1941, he married Rosemary and the reception was held at the Lordship's Pub in Much Hadham, Bishops Stortford. He is well-known for his post-war life when he became equiry to King George VI in 1944 and spent eight years in the royal household. His name became synonymous with the association of Princess Margaret.