Tom Neil

About the Author

Tom Neil was a distinguished RAF fighter pilot who flew Hurricanes during the pivotal Battle of Britain in 1940, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery amid the skies over southern England. Born in 1919, he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1938 and quickly rose through the ranks, participating in intense dogfights that helped turn the tide against the Luftwaffe. After the war, Neil transitioned into a career as an author, drawing on his firsthand experiences to craft compelling narratives of aerial combat and wartime heroism. His memoir 'Gun Button to Fire: A Hurricane Pilot's Dramatic Story of the Battle of Britain' remains a cornerstone of aviation literature, offering vivid insights into the courage and camaraderie of those who defended the realm from invasion. Neil's writings continue to inspire readers with their authenticity and unflinching portrayal of history's defining moments.