Pop,
Good post. There are so many to whom we owe so much. Not just the Battle of Britain pilots and the test pilots you mention (and I agree with your comments). But spare a thought also for all those bomber crews who night after night flew over occupied Europe. They had to cope with the contrast of being in a normal Britain one day and then in the horror of the night skies the next. Perhaps not great pilots, not even the greatest, but a great test of fortitude.