Download or read book A Willingness to Die written by Brian Kingcome and published by Tempus Pub Limited. This book was released on 1999 with total page 187 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Aviation, in the 1930's, provided a tantalising prospect for those wishing to master some of the most exciting and challenging advances in technology. It was in 1938 that Brian Kingcome joined th RAF with a permanent commission via RAF Cranwell, the cadet college, and was subsequently posted to No.65 Fighter Squadron at Hornchurch. The squadron was soon re-equipped with what was to become, for many, synonymous with great air battles of France and Britain - the Spitfire. And so it was with the Spitfire that Brian flew operationally, in front line units and without break, through the entire war. Of those front line stations arguably the best known was Biggin Hill where he became No.92 Squadron's acting CO and, during which time, he led them on over 60 operations achieving the highest success rate of any squadron in those notorious weeks of the Battle of Britain. 'I always regarded 92 Squadron as my personal property. I led it through, what was to me, the most exhilarating and treacherous part of the war, the Battle of Britain at Biggin Hill. I gained and lost many good friends, and in front line operations I was with 92 longer than any other squadron'. No.92 Squadron came back into Kingcome's life in Desert Air Force when it was one of five squadrons in 244 Wing which he commanded in support of the 8th Army under General Montgomery in Sicily and Italy.