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Re: Battle Over Britain by Francis K. Mason
First of all, when it came out in 1969, it was the first to comprehensively cover the BoB on a day-to-day basis, and became the 'must-have' reference source for many researchers. For that, Mason must be applauded for what he produced, given the limited information available at the time.
However, when the second edition came out, it appears that the text was not updated to incorporate new facts and information that had been published in the meantime. That let the second edition down considerably.
Bringing things up to present, I'm afraid to say that now there are many things that are incorrect in it, and only by cross-checking with other works will a more accurate picture of some events become clear (I don't want to read in another book, for example, that S/Ldr. Thompson of 111 Sqdn. shot down Rubensdörffer on the Croydon raid!). By all means use Mason's books as a lead-in to exploring the BoB in greater detail, but don't take all that is said in there as gospel. If you do, you will come a cropper on many things.
Bungay's book is excellent in its research and analysis, and delivers findings and conclusions in a cogent way, demolishing forever some long-held 'myths' that have prevailed for decades. Peter Townsend's 'Duel of Eagles' is an excellent read. BoBT&N is an excellent source, but I know that a lot more information has come to light since it first appeared (this is not a criticism, my 'Stück Puch' friend!) and an updated edition would simply blow all competition away for all time!
The great thing is, new information and new photos are coming to light all the time, expanding our knowledge of that period. Long may it continue.
John Vasco
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