Description.
King George VI presents Flight Lieutenant Alan C. Deere with the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) at a ceremony in Hornchurch on 27 June 1940. To the King’s left stands Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, Commander-in-Chief, Fighter Command. In September 1940, Deere was awarded a bar to the DFC.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited RAF Bentley Priory, in September 1940, during the height of the Battle of Britain, when some of the most intense aerial combat was taking place. Queen Elizabeth and King George VI are seen here walking with Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding in the gardens at RAF Bentley Priory towards the Mansion House.
Colourised By Richard James Molloy
Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding was appointed the first Commander-in-Chief of Fighter Command at RAF Bentley Priory in 1936. He developed the world’s first integrated system of air defence; this innovative system of communications became known as The Dowding System.
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