One of Our Own

David Duker's "One of Our Own" offers a detailed and carefully researched account of the life of Squadron Leader Victor Ekins MBE DFC, a pilot who served during the Battle of Britain. The book sits within a well-established tradition of biographies devoted to the men who flew for RAF Fighter Command during 1940, yet it distinguishes itself through its focus on a figure whose story has not received the same widespread attention as some of his more famous contemporaries. Duker's evident aim is to correct that gap, presenting Ekins as a representative example of the ordinary young men who found themselves thrust into extraordinary circumstances during one of the most pivotal campaigns of the Second World War.

The book traces Ekins's journey from his early life through his training as a pilot and into the demanding operational flying that characterised the summer and autumn of 1940. Duker pays close attention to the day-to-day realities of squadron life, including the rhythms of readiness, the tension of scrambles, and the physical and psychological toll of repeated combat sorties. This granular approach gives the narrative a grounded quality, avoiding the temptation to romanticise events that were, for those who lived through them, exhausting and frequently perilous. Readers looking for a sense of what it actually felt like to serve in a fighter squadron during this period will find much to appreciate in these sections.

One of the strengths of Duker's writing is his willingness to place Ekins within a wider context without losing sight of the individual at the centre of the story. The broader strategic and historical background of the Battle of Britain is woven into the narrative in a way that supports rather than overwhelms the personal account. This balance is not always easy to achieve in biographical military history, where authors can either drown the subject in contextual detail or, conversely, fail to explain why the events described matter. Duker generally manages to avoid both pitfalls, though at times the pacing slows as background material is introduced, particularly in the earlier chapters covering pre-war preparations.

The book also benefits from what appears to be thorough archival research, drawing on service records, squadron histories, and other primary sources to construct as accurate a picture as possible of Ekins's career. This diligence is evident in the specificity of dates, locations, and operational details throughout the text. For readers with a particular interest in RAF squadron histories or the mechanics of Battle of Britain operations, this level of detail will likely be welcome. Those seeking a more impressionistic or narrative-driven account, however, may find some sections dense with factual information.

Duker's prose is clear and functional, prioritising accuracy and readability over stylistic flourish. This suits the subject matter well, as the story of a working RAF pilot benefits from restraint rather than embellishment. The author resists the temptation to over-dramatise combat sequences, instead allowing the inherent tension of aerial warfare to come through in straightforward, unadorned description. This approach lends the book a sense of authenticity and respect for its subject, treating Ekins's experiences with the seriousness they deserve without resorting to sensationalism.

The later chapters, which address Ekins's life beyond the immediate scope of the Battle of Britain, provide a useful sense of continuity, showing how wartime service shaped the remainder of his career and life. This fuller picture helps to humanise Ekins beyond his role as a combatant, offering insight into the man behind the medals and honours he received, including the MBE and DFC referenced in the book's subtitle.

Overall, "One of Our Own" succeeds as a focused and respectful biography of a lesser-known Battle of Britain pilot. It will appeal most strongly to readers already interested in RAF history, squadron operations, or the personal stories of individuals who served during 1940. While the pacing occasionally slows under the weight of contextual detail, the book's commitment to accuracy and its clear affection for its subject make it a worthwhile addition to the literature surrounding this significant period of British history. David Duker has produced a work that honours Victor Ekins's service with care and diligence, ensuring that his contribution to the Battle of Britain is not forgotten.