This is the enthralling story of a young man who found himself at the epicentre of one of the biggest turning points in recent history - The Battle of Britain. Guided by the diaries that he meticulously kept throughout his wartime experience and that lay unread for over eighty years, Victor Howard Ekins' story is one of duty, loss, friendship and love. He would meet his wife Kim, a 'plotter' serving at RAF Kenley, during the intensity of the Battle of Britain and their relationship would go on to flourish against all odds. He also rose through the ranks to become a Squadron Leader who was admired and respected by those who served with him. As an inexperienced Sergeant pilot, Victor was posted to 111 Squadron three weeks into the Battle of Britain. The baptism of fire that he went on to experience would stay with him for a lifetime as his squadron was decimated after relentlessly pursuing the tactic of the head on attack. He was caught on the ground during the bombing of RAF Croydon on 15 August 1940, and would fight in the skies above RAF Kenley during 'The Hardest Day'. He would also be one of the airmen tasked with defending London against the first of the huge daylight bombing raids that took place on 7 September 1940. After 111 Squadron was withdrawn from the front line due to its extreme losses, Victor was posted to 501 Squadron. On 27 September 1940, he was shot down and seriously injured as a bullet passed through his stomach and smashed into the controls of his Hurricane. Miraculously, he would go on to land by parachute in a Canadian field hospital, the staff of which were able to save his life and would return to the action within just 8 weeks. Victor became part of the brotherhood of 501 Squadron and served on the front line for a gruelling twenty-one months before eventually being given a rest. A promotion to Squadron Leader followed where he was given command of 19 Squadron and placed at the heart of offensive operations over occupied Europe. After a year of intense action, Victor would form an unforgettable bond with his 'boys' who would forever hold a special place in his heart. One of Our Own is a unique insight into the mind and experiences of one of Churchill's 'Few', a natural leader and a good man. AUTHOR: David Duker has held a life-long passion for the generation of people who overcame the huge challenge of the Second World War. From a young age he has been captivated by the many stories of human endeavour, with his particular fascination being on the subject of the Battle of Britain. In 2010, this passion led him to form a close association with the wonderful Kent Battle of Britain museum, and also inspired him to meet, and talk to as many of his heroes as possible. He was fortunate to have forged a close friendship with Flight Lieutenant Bill Green who served with 501 Squadron during the Battle of Britain and considers him to have been one of the most impactful mentors of his life.Today, David works tirelessly to promote the legacy of this remarkable generation and founded the Tally Ho Project CIC - a social enterprise dedicated to sharing the many life-changing lessons that can be found within the story of the Battle of Britain. To support this work, he published his first book Rise to the Challenge in 2021. For more information, please see: www.tallyhoproejct.com 120 b/w illustrations
