It was the night of 7 September 1940 which changed Ron Chapman¿s life. It was the start of Hitler¿s Blitz on London. The death and destruction the German bombers wreaked across Islington and the East End so shocked and appalled Ron, that three days later he presented himself to the RAF recruiting office near Euston station. After basic training, and a few days before his twentieth birthday, he received a posting to 485 (New Zealand) Squadron ¿ Ron was at last with an operational Spitfire squadron. After just three weeks with 485 (NZ) Squadron, he was posted to 341 (Free French) Squadron. Operating as part of the RAF¿s 145 Wing in 84 Group, the squadron was led by the renowned Commandant Ren¿ouchotte DFC, while 145 Wing itself was commanded by the Battle of Britain fighter ace Group Captain ¿Sailor¿ Malan. There was also 340 Squadron, known as ¿Churchill¿s Own¿, and Nos. 329 and 345 squadrons. As a member of 341 Squadron¿s groundcrew, Ron Chapman¿s memoirs provide a unique insight into
