OK I know .... you guys have probably seen this .... but I was intrigued !! Jewish Pilots and Aircrews in the Battle of Britain Annie
Very interesting, Annie. I have not seen that before but noted a few familiar names. I have to admit to not paying much attention to a pilot's religion - the nationality usually being noted ahead of anything else. About the only Jewish pilot who springs to mind is a Frederic Arnold (from memory not his real name either) who was a P-38 pilot over Italy. He wrote a book Doorknob Five-Two (his call-sign) about his experiences and I, while I haven't read it yet, I have noted he did not get on terribly well with his squadron mates. There's also some conjecture based on the official history of the unit that his claims etc in the book do not match. Either way, there's another one for you! Am off to see what Louis Aarons got his VC for!
Somebody was asking about him on Roots not so long ago !! .... There's a statue of him in Leeds, and his medal is in the Leeds City Museum !! He is commemorated at Downham Market, which is the air base he flew from during WWII.
Arthur Louis Aaron (1922 - 1943) - Find A Grave Memorial View of the Fountain and Statue of Arthur Louis Aaron, Eastgate Roundabout Leeds., VR Leeds - The Virtual Tour of Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
The one pilot who is often cited as Israeli: Now, having followed the debates on a number of other forums, the question of his religion is still disagreed upon. However, he was not Israeli or Palestinian. Firstly because Israel did not exist then and so to retrospectively "acquire" someone who happened to be born in that area is nonsense. But more importantly, he was born of British parents, and the father was working there. Otherwise, all those who were born in India should be claimed by India too.
Often thought the "Israeli" was a bit odd in 1940. Saw something else along those lines recently but can't remember what now.
Israel's First Flying Hero George Ernest Goodman Born Haifa 1920 - Died Libya 1941 George Ernest Goodman, the First Israeli flying Ace
