SPIT, at the time of the BoB, the only Americans fighting were who those who
wanted to. We were fighting because we had to.
Seven Americans flew in the Battle of Britain, of whom 6 died.
Battle of Britain Roll of Honour
Pilot Officer A G Donahue, American, 64 Sqn, Killed.
Pilot Officer W M L Fiske, American, 601 Sqn, Killed.
Pilot Officer J K Haviland, American, 151 Sqn.
Pilot Officer V C Keough, American, 609 Sqn, Killed.
Pilot Officer P H Leckrone, American, 616 sqn, Killed.
Pilot Officer A Mamedoff American, 609 Sqn, Died.
Pilot Officer E Q Tobin, American, 609 sqn Killed.
Despite U.S. "neutrality," a full squadron of American fliers was established in September 1940 and became operational in January 1941. Two other Eagle squadrons followed: No.121 in May 1941 and No.131 in August 1941.
244 American pilots were to fly for the Eagle Squadrons. Command. It was the RAF's policy to pick Englishmen as squadron and flight commanders and 16 of these British pilots served with the Eagle Squadrons. From the time the first Eagle Squadron was formed in September 1940 until all three squadrons were disbanded and incorporated into the USAAF in September 1942, they destroyed 73 1/2 German planes while 77 American and 5 British members were killed.
Hurricane Mk1s of 71 Eagle Sqn