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Wednesday, 4 November 2009

Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Rodney Park GCB, KBE, MC & Bar, DFC, RAF



Keith Park did not get the recognition that many felt he deserved after the Battle of Britain but this has now been rectified with the unveiling this morning of his statue on forth plinth of Trafalgar Square.

Rather than give you a historical recitation I think it better if those who got to see him in action should have their say. All things considered I thing Bader demonstrated a genersotiy of spirit that was notably lacking in a few others.

Park and 127 other New Zealander fighter pilots served during the Battle of Britain.

He was the only man who could have lost the war in a day or even an afternoon
Johnnie Johnson

The awesome responsibility for this country’s survival rested squarely on Keith Park’s shoulders. British military history of this century has been enriched with the names of great fighting men from New Zealand, of all ranks and in every one of our services. Keith Park’s name is carved into history alongside those of his peers.
Douglas Bader

If any one man won the Battle of Britain, he did. I do not believe it is realised how much that one man, with his leadership, his calm judgment and his skill, did to save, not only this country, but the world.
Lord Tedder, Chief of the Air Staff

5 comments:

Robin said...

Park did great service but if one man won the Battle of Britain, it was the man who prepared for it, understood the real operational and strategic issues and fought it with the correct tactics even while being undermined by his subordinates.

Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding.

Ayrdale said...

We kiwis are very proud of him, and all our young men who fought on our behalf.

doc said...

For us Yanks, can someone identify the awards signified by the letters?

I assume DFC is Distinguished Flying Cross, but cannot recognize the others.

Thanks

ErrolGC said...

GCB, (1946) Knight Grand Cross Order of the Bath, high-level knighthood

KBE, (1945) Knight Commander Order of the British Empire, low-level knighthood

MC & Bar, (1917 x2) Military Cross

DFC (1918)

Murray said...

As I noted in my essay on the subject Robin Dowding was the architect and Park was the engineer.

Both were poorly served in aftermat but how would things have gone if Leigh-Mallory had been commanding 11 Group?