Publishing Date: 25 May 2006

Here is the story of 222 (Natal) Squadron RAF, a unit which was sponsored by the people of Natal to fight in the Battle of Britain in the darkest days of the Second World War.

It was a squadron which flew with distinction from the time of the apparent hopelessness of Dunkirk through the Battle of Britain itself, and on to D-Day and beyond.

Among its pilots was Douglas Bader, the legless ace whose own story was a saga in its own right. Later, with the 2nd Tactical Air Force, 222 was the first fighter squadron into Europe when the Invasion came in 1944. Now in the fighter-bomber role, it had a war record of 120 enemy aircraft confirmed destroyed, 62 more probably destroyed and 138 damaged.

The manner in which the funds were raised to launch the squadron and the incredible response of the folk of Natal make this a moving story. Illustrated with pictures which will call back poignant memories, it is told by Reg Sweet of Durban, himself a Spitfire pilot of the Second World War.