Men Of The Battle Of Britain

By Kenneth G. Wynn

ISBN: 1902074106, CCB Associates 1999

First published in 1989, I own the 1999 2nd edition of this fantastic book which also commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The book is a biographical directory of ‘The Few’. All pilots and aircrew from throughout the British Empire and her allies who flew with the Royal Air Force, Fighter Command, between July 10th and October 31st 1940. The book has become the accepted, authoritative manuscript concerning the aircrew who participated in the battle.

In the 2nd edition F/O Malcolm Ravenhill’s profile can be seen on page 420 (see photo below). I know a later edition of the book contains more information and his Cuthbert Orde sketch.

Biggin On The Bump

By Bob Ogley

ISBN: 1872337058 (pb) 1872337104 (hb), Froglets Publications 1990

First published in 1990 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. This wonderful book contains stories and a photographic history (over 200 photos) of Britain’s most famous fighter station, Biggin Hill, affectionately known as “Biggin on the Bump”. F/O Malcolm Ravenhill is listed at the end of the book within the “They Paid The Supreme Sacrifice” page.

Bob Ogley’s article about Malcolm’s memorial service in 2022 for the local Chronicle newspaper can be seen on my Newspaper & Magazine page.

What the RAF Airman Took to War

By Bill Howard

ISBN: 9781784420550, Shire Publications

Published in 2015, this excellent little book details the objects and personal items that were essential to every wartime pilot, from the superstitious good-luck charm to the parachute on which his life might have depended.

Page 117 contains a moving “In Memoriam” tribute to the aircrew and, to my pleasant surprise, the author has chosen to mention in detail Malcolm Ravenhill as one such pilot that bravely gave his life fighting in the Battle of Britain.

A photograph of some of his Hawker Hurricane (P2815) wreckage is displayed on page 116 with the quote:

This photograph of the twisted wreckage of Ravenhill’s plane serves as mute testimony to his loss

A thoroughly recommended book, with added interest for me because of the pages mentioning Mac. Full details of the book can be viewed on Bloomsbury’s website.

Battle of Britain

By Norman Franks

ISBN 0861240308, Bison Books 1981

An interesting paragraph appears in the book “Battle of Britain” by Norman Franks detailing September 30th 1940 and 229 Squadron when Malcolm was killed:

The final fury of September came on the final day of the month when Me 109s flew sweeps toward London in the morning. No 229 Squadron suffered badly, losing four Hurricanes and four damaged in fights with Me 109s, with one pilot killed and three others wounded. This raid was followed by Me 109s and Me 110s attacking the Weymouth area and then after lunch Ju 88s and Me 109s again made for London. The final raid consisted of He 111s and Me 110s going for the Westland factory at Yeovil. No 56 Squadron was attacked by me 110s, losing five Hurricanes with two others damaged, but luckily no pilots were lost. No 152 Squadron also tangled with the Me 110s, losing one pilot and aircraft and damaging four Spitfires. However, overall the Germans lost 47 aircraft during the day, to the RAF’s 20. Most of the Luftwaffe’s casualties were Me 109s.