1942 1st Edition of Pilots of Fighter Command - Cuthbert Orde

A very presentable copy of “Pilots of Fighter Command” with portraits by Cuthbert Orde published in 1942 as WWII raged on.

This book's aim was to show the British public the faces of the  fighter pilots who had done such extraordinary work in the air against the German Luftwaffe. Each pilot is introduced with a short biography, and the book begins with a brief history of the events leading up to, and including, the Battle of Britain.

The reproduced portraits are beautifully executed in charcoal and are remarkably evocative. A foreword by Air Chief Marshal Sir Sholto Douglas, and an introduction by Air Vice-Marshall J. C. Slessor complete the book.

Captain Cuthbert Julian Orde (1888–1968) was an artist and First World War pilot. He is best known for his war art, especially his portraits of Allied Battle of Britain pilots.

Overall condition is very good with period Sellotape reinforcing the pages to the front and back hard covers and a hand written appreciation on the inside front cover is a nice addition.