Speaker Series: Peter Usher – Battle of Britain Spitfire Ace

William Henry Nelson of Montreal became the only Canadian Spitfire ace in the Battle of Britain.  Before that, however, he had been a decorated bomber pilot who had engaged with the enemy since the opening days of the war.

Few in the RAF took to the air as both bomber and fighter pilot during the Second World War, fewer still excelled at both. Peter Usher’s illustrated talk will focus on why and how Nelson made that transition, what he expected of it, and what it demanded of him.

Nelson was shot down over the English Channel on 1 November 1940, hours after what is now regarded as the close of the Battle of Britain.  He left a widow and two-month-old son.

Tickets £5. Advance booking recommended.