Air Marshal Sir Keith Park: The Unsung Hero of the Battle of Britain

Air Marshal Sir Keith Park: Victor of the Battle of Britain, Defender of Malta

by Murray Rowlands

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13823 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	178 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Air Marshal Sir Keith Park was a New Zealand-born British Royal Air Force officer who played a key role in the Battle of Britain. He is credited with developing the "Big Wing" fighter tactic, which helped the RAF to defeat the Luftwaffe. Park was also responsible for the defence of Malta during the Second World War.

Park was born in Thames, New Zealand, on 15 June 1892. He joined the Royal Air Force in 1915 and served in the First World War. After the war, he remained in the RAF and rose through the ranks. In 1939, he was appointed to command No. 11 Group, which was responsible for the defence of south-east England.

The Battle of Britain began on 10 July 1940. The Luftwaffe launched a series of heavy air raids on Britain, in an attempt to destroy the RAF and pave the way for an invasion. Park's No. 11 Group was at the forefront of the defence of Britain, and Park played a key role in developing the tactics that helped the RAF to defeat the Luftwaffe.

One of Park's most important contributions was the development of the "Big Wing" fighter tactic. This tactic involved concentrating large numbers of fighters into a single formation, which was then used to attack the Luftwaffe bombers. The Big Wing tactic was very effective, and it helped the RAF to gain air superiority over the Luftwaffe.

Park was also responsible for the defence of Malta during the Second World War. Malta was a strategically important island in the Mediterranean Sea, and it was subjected to heavy bombing by the Luftwaffe and the Italian Air Force. Park's leadership was crucial in ensuring that Malta remained in British hands, and it played a key role in the Allied victory in the Mediterranean.

After the Second World War, Park continued to serve in the RAF. He retired in 1947, and he was knighted in 1948. Park died in Auckland, New Zealand, on 6 February 1975.

Air Marshal Sir Keith Park was a brilliant military commander who played a key role in the Battle of Britain and the defence of Malta. He was a gifted tactician and a courageous leader, and he is rightly regarded as one of the greatest heroes of the Second World War.

Legacy

Air Marshal Sir Keith Park's legacy is still felt today. The Big Wing fighter tactic that he developed is still used by air forces around the world, and it is considered to be one of the most effective fighter tactics ever developed. Park's leadership and courage were also an inspiration to his men, and they helped to ensure that the RAF was able to defeat the Luftwaffe and win the Battle of Britain.

Park was a humble man who never sought the limelight, but he was a true hero. His contribution to the Allied victory in the Second World War cannot be overstated, and he deserves to be remembered as one of the greatest military commanders of all time.

Air Marshal Sir Keith Park: Victor of the Battle of Britain, Defender of Malta

by Murray Rowlands

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13823 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	178 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE