July 10

The Battle of Britain waged from July 10 to August 31 in 1940, was principally an air battle. The Royal Air Force waged war against incredible odds as it fought for its life. In this battle, pilots from all of its dominions assisted Britain. Pilots from the United States also served in the Royal Air Force during this battle. Among the Americans to fly for the RAF was V. C. “Shorty” Keogh. Keogh was attached to 609 Squadron of the RAF. He acquired his nickname by virtue of the fact that he was so short that he had to place cushions on the seat of his Hawker Hurricane in order to see out the front of the plane’s cockpit.