I say this not to detract or to take anything away from the pilots and other aircrew who fort in the B of B but please also remember the poor bloody ground crews who kept the aircraft flying. Quite a lot gave their lives or were badly wounded at Kenley, Biggin Hill, Croydon, Rochester and all the other airfields involved in the battle. Many of these chaps slept under hedges and hardly knew what a hot meal was from the middle of August through to late September but were always there day and night keeping the aircraft fit for battle.
Without the dedication of these chaps the battle could not have been fort. It is also perhaps worth remembering that they too were a scarce resource with engine fitters and riggers taking almost twice as long to train as pilots.