The Odds Against Us

New York: Kensington Publishing Corp. [Zebra Books], 1989. Second Zebra Books Printing [stated-. Mass market paperback. Good. 288 pages. Illustrations. Bibliography. Index. Cover has edge tear. Group Captain Peter Wooldridge Townsend, CVO, DSO, DFC & Bar (22 November 1914 - 19 June 1995) was a Royal Air Force officer, flying ace, courtier and author. He was Equerry to King George VI from 1944 to 1952 and held the same position for Queen Elizabeth II from 1952 to 1953. Townsend also had a romance with Princess Margaret. Townsend was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in April 1940. Citation: "Flight Lieutenant Peter Wooldridge Townsend (33178). ... whilst on patrol over the North Sea, Flight Lieutenant Townsend intercepted and attacked an enemy aircraft at dusk and after a running fight shot it down. This is the third success obtained by this pilot and in each instance he has displayed qualities of leadership, skill and determination of the highest order, with little regard for his own safety. " His wartime record was nine aircraft claimed destroyed, and two shared, two 'probables' and four damaged. A thrilling autobiographical account of the flying nightfighters during the Battle of Britain, vividly written and filled with colorful anecdotes by one of the few survivors of the greatest air battles in history and the author of Duel of Eagles. The Odds Against Us was a well written book about the night war on London during WWII from the perspective of an RAF fighter pilot. Not only do you learn much about the advent of night combat, but also the lush history of Hitler's plans for Europe and Russia, but mostly England. Townsend has tracked down residents of London who survived the German raids, and has located the German fliers with whom he dueled miles above to get their own personal accounts.