Hugh Dowding

17th November 1940: Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding (1882 -1970 ) who organised Britain's air defence from 1936 to 1940 in his capacity as commander-in-chief of Fighter Command. Dowding, born in Moffat, joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1914 and was decorated for his service during World War I. He was appointed commander-in-chief of Fighter Command in 1936 and organised Britain's air defence until he was relieved of his post in 1940. He retired in 1943 and developed an interest in Spiritualism publishing a book called 'Many Mansions' (1943) which he claimed contained conversations with men killed in the war. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)