Last week marked the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, that fierce aerial battle, when hundreds of airmen took to the skies to defend the U.K. from Hitler’s Luftwaffe.

Some historians will say Britain stood alone in September 1940. That’s not entirely true. Canada, Australia and New Zealand all rallied to their side. Hundreds of Canadian pilots and aircrew served, not because this country was threatened, but because it was the right thing to do. Many joined up individually with the Royal Air Force (RAF). Others flew with Number 1 Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Others served in the RAF 242 Squadron, dubbed the “Canadian Squadron,” which was commanded by the legendary pilot Douglas Bader.

Night after night, those courageous men took to the skies in defence of Br

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