"THE STIRRING AND ENNOBLING STORY OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUR EUROPEAN ALLIES FLYING AND FIGHTING SIDE BY SIDE WITH THE ROYAL AIR FORCE"

[BATES, H.E.]. There's Freedom in the Air. The Official Story of the Allied Air Forces from the Occupied Countries. London: His Majesty's Stationery Office, (1944). Square octavo, staple-bound as issued, original pictorial paper wrappers; pp. 35. $250.

First edition of this photo-illustrated history of the European Allies who fought alongside the RAF during World War II.

"Although a little belated, also not to be neglected by the [Ministry of Information], was the contribution made by allied airmen during the Battle and wider war generally, There's Freedom in the Air released in 1944 focusing on fighter and bomber aircrews, and ground crew men from countries under the Nazi yoke. Given the role played by Polish and Czech fighter squadrons during the Battle it was appropriate that several pages were devoted to their deeds… Fittingly, this focus on Poles and Czechs concludes with a reinforcement of the RAF's willingness to absorb allied squadrons in its Order of Battle… it was clear from these officially sponsored publications that the Battle was being viewed through a now wider optic, rather than the narrower one permitting only a sharp focus on Fighter Command's ascendancy over the Luftwaffe. This was not a radical departure from earlier representation of the Battle but it did confirm—-especially in respect of Civil Defence and the home front—that others, too, had contributed during 1930, and were not being duly recognised" (Campion, The Battle of Britain).

Interior fine, only slightest rubbing and soiling to wrappers. A nearly fine copy.