[BATTLE OF BRITAIN]: KENT JOHN A. (1914-1985) 'This is war I thought and if I let him go he will no doubt go on to ...

[BATTLE OF BRITAIN]: KENT JOHN A. (1914-1985) 'This is war I thought and if I let him go he will no doubt go on to kill more of our boys'
[BATTLE OF BRITAIN]: KENT JOHN A. (1914-1985) Canadian Group Captain, a flying ace with the Royal Air Force during World War II who participated in the Battle of Britain. An exceptional T.L.S., John Kent, one page, 8vo, Hartley Witney, Hampshire, 24th June 1969, to Mr. Smith, with the blue printed badge of the RAF at the head. Kent thanks his correspondent for their letter and continues to provide an account of his most anxious moment during World War II, in part, 'It took place over the Thames Estuary on September 23rd 1940 while with 303 Polish Squadron. I had been attacked by a Bf 109 and managed to lose the enemy aircraft by going into cloud base. When I emerged I came out above & behind him. I came down and caught him by surprise racking the whole fuselage with a long burst. I then chased him out over the Channel with smoke pouring from his engine. As we neared Calais I flew alongside of him and looked the pilot in the eye, a very young German with blond hair who looked terrified. This is war I thought and if I let him go he will no doubt go on to kill more of our boys. I then turned and came back in a 60 deg with a short deflection burst into the top of his cockpit, where upon the 109 flipped over and went down into the sea. I can still see that young face today'. A letter of highly emotive content. VG