EAGLE DAYS: Live Conversation & Book Signing with Dr Victoria Taylor – Sunday 1st June
Join us at the Steventon gallery for a fascinating look into the Battle of Britain from the perspective of the Luftwaffe, by the award-winning aviation historian, broadcaster and writer, Dr Victoria Taylor!
Aces High is delighted to be hosting a remarkable live conversation between acclaimed WWII historian Dr Victoria Taylor - author of the groundbreaking new book ‘Eagle Days: Life and Death for the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain’, and Air Marshal G.A. ‘Black’ Robertson CBE BA FRAeS FRSA, as they explore one of the most iconic air campaigns in history -- from the other side of the cockpit!
Drawing on newly translated primary sources and fresh academic research, the discussion will shed new light on the Luftwaffe’s experience during the Battle of Britain, from the battle-hardened fighter pilots who entered the fray with Blitzkrieg momentum, to the psychological disadvantages they faced operating from bases in an occupied country.
With comparisons between German and British pilot training, leadership, experience and ideology, they will also question the long-held idea of ‘chivalry in the air’ and examine how fame and propaganda shaped the fates of aces like Galland, Mölders and Wick.
Expect a rich and honest reappraisal of the Luftwaffe’s campaign -- its triumphs, its failures, and the men behind the myths.
The talk will be approximately 45 mins, followed by a live Q&A and book signing! Surrounded by a specially curated exhibition of artwork.
** Your ticket includes full access to the live event, Q&A, exhibition and book signing with Dr Victoria Taylor, as well as complimentary drinks and refreshments throughout the day. **
Dr Victoria Taylor is an award-winning aviation historian, broadcaster, and writer who specialises in the history of the Luftwaffe and the Royal Air Force. She has served as an on-screen expert, historical consultant, narrator and assistant producer across historical programming for the BBC, Channels 4 and 5, Sky History, National Geographic, BFBS, the RAF Benevolent Fund, History Hit, the Smithsonian Channel, and beyond. Victoria sits on the Advisory Board for the cross-party Spitfire AA810 restoration project in the House of Lords and is an Assistant Editor for the Royal Aeronautical Society’s 'Journal of Aeronautical History'. She is an Ambassador for both the National Spitfire Project and the RAF Charitable Trust.
Synopsis:
Researching and blending a diverse range of primary sources together (Luftwaffe air crews’ personal letters and diaries), with official combat reports, and contemporary German newspapers, Victoria Taylor weaves a rich, multifaceted tapestry of the military, political, social and cultural influences that shaped the German air force’s mentality and morale during the Battle of Britain.
Eagle Days transforms the Luftwaffe’s historical role during the RAF’s ‘Finest Hour’ from a cartoonish antagonist to a multidimensional, flawed-yet-formidable opponent. The narrative contains not just the voices of the air crews who conducted the fighting, but uniquely never-before-translated primary source material of other contemporary eyewitnesses (Luftwaffe’s paratroopers, anti-aircraft gunners and air signalmen). Eagle Days will offer all fans of this period a refreshing, comprehensive and exciting new account of the Luftwaffe’s real experiences during the Battle of Britain.
Book quantities will be strictly limited on the day so be sure to pre-order with us for collection at the event to guarantee your signed copy and avoid dissapointment.
Schedule of events:
10:00 - Gallery Opens
11:00 - Live Conversation with Dr Victoria Taylor & Air Marshal 'Black' Robertson
11:45 - Q&A opened up to the audience
12:30 - Book Signing of Eagle Days
13:00 - Light bites and nibbles served
16:00 - Gallery Closes
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📍Skyfall, Church Lane, Steventon, Oxfordshire, OX13 6SN
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