Since penning the foreword for Philip E West’s Aviation Masterworks, we are sad to report that Tom “Ginger” Neil, one of the last living Battle of Britain aces has died at the age of 97. Wing Commander Neil, who lived in Thwaite St Mary, near Bungay, flew more than 140 missions and shot down 14 enemy planes during the Second World War. He died peacefully on Wednesday July 11, a few days before his 98th birthday. Wg. Cdr. Neil flew Hurricanes and Spitfires during his service between 1938 and 1964. He served with 249 Squadron and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar and Air Force Cross for his service. Philip’s first collected works is published by G2 in September, priced at £40.
