Ace of Aces

E. C. R. Baker's "Ace of Aces" presents a compelling biographical account of Squadron Leader Marmaduke Thomas St John Pattle, a South African fighter pilot whose remarkable achievements during World War II have remained surprisingly obscure in popular military history. Despite being credited with more aerial victories than the celebrated Douglas Bader and potentially more than any other Allied pilot in the entire conflict, Pattle's story has been largely overshadowed by his better-known contemporaries. Baker's work seeks to rectify this historical oversight by documenting the life and combat record of a pilot whose skill and courage were extraordinary by any measure.

The book chronicles Pattle's journey from his birth in South Africa in 1914 through his training in the Royal Air Force and his subsequent deployment to North Africa and Greece during the critical early years of the war. Baker meticulously details Pattle's service with No. 80 Squadron and later No. 33 Squadron, flying Gloster Gladiator biplanes and Hawker Hurricanes against Italian and German aircraft. The narrative follows his progression from a promising young pilot to a squadron leader whose tactical acumen and flying abilities earned him the respect of both his fellow pilots and his adversaries.

One of the book's strengths lies in its careful reconstruction of Pattle's combat record. Baker addresses the challenges inherent in verifying aerial victory claims from this period, particularly given the chaos of the campaigns in North Africa and Greece, where record-keeping was often disrupted by the fluid nature of the fighting. The author presents evidence suggesting that Pattle's confirmed kills numbered at least 40, with some estimates placing the total even higher. This detective work through historical records, squadron diaries, and eyewitness accounts provides readers with insight into both Pattle's achievements and the difficulties of establishing definitive tallies for pilots operating in these theatres.

The narrative effectively captures the intensity of aerial combat in the Mediterranean theatre, where Allied pilots often found themselves heavily outnumbered and operating with aircraft that were, in some cases, obsolescent. Pattle's ability to achieve consistent success despite these disadvantages speaks to his exceptional skill as both a pilot and a leader. Baker describes how Pattle developed effective tactics for his squadron and led by example, often placing himself in the most dangerous positions during engagements.

Baker also explores the question of why Pattle's achievements have not received the recognition accorded to other fighter aces. Part of the explanation lies in the circumstances of his death in April 1941 during the desperate air battles over Greece, where he was killed in action at the age of 26. The chaotic evacuation of Allied forces from Greece meant that many records were lost, and Pattle's story became fragmented in official histories. Additionally, the focus of public attention and propaganda efforts tended to favour pilots operating in more prominent theatres, particularly the Battle of Britain.

The book draws on a variety of sources, including official RAF records, personal accounts from surviving squadron members, and Greek and South African archives. Baker's research brings together scattered pieces of information to create a coherent narrative of Pattle's service. The author also provides context about the broader military campaigns in which Pattle fought, helping readers understand the strategic importance of the air war in the Mediterranean and the challenges faced by Allied forces during this period.

While the book clearly admires its subject, Baker maintains a measured approach in his writing, avoiding hagiography while acknowledging Pattle's exceptional abilities. The portrait that emerges is of a modest, dedicated professional who was widely respected by those who served with him but who never sought personal glory. This personality trait may have contributed to his relative obscurity, as Pattle was not the type to promote his own achievements or cultivate relationships with journalists and publicists.

"Ace of Aces" makes a valuable contribution to the historical record of World War II aviation. It rescues from near-obscurity the story of a pilot whose combat record suggests he deserves to be counted among the most effective fighter pilots of the conflict. Baker's work will appeal to aviation historians, military history enthusiasts, and general readers interested in lesser-known stories from the Second World War. The book serves as both a tribute to an overlooked hero and a reminder that many remarkable individual stories from the war remain waiting to be fully told.