85 YEARS ON – Reflections on the Battle of Britain with Air Marshal 'Black' Robertson - Sunday 21st September

Join us at the Steventon Gallery, in this 85th anniversary year, for a talk about how the RAF triumphed against the odds during the Battle of Britain: a poignant tale of courage, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit – a story about the unheralded many as much as about 'The Few'.

To mark the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Aces High is thrilled to host Air Marshal ‘Black’ Robertson for an engaging 45-minute talk reflecting on lesser-known aspects of the conflict, in particular those individuals and organisations whose largely unheralded contributions helped ensure the nation’s survival. Above all it’s a story about people: those who in the summer of 1940 helped turn the tide of events. This will be followed by a Q&A open to the audience.

By a happy coincidence, this anniversary coincides with publication of his latest book, The Shy Assassin, the inspiring story of Cyril Babbage, Battle of Britain Spitfire ace turned Mosquito night intruder pilot. Black will be available to sign copies of his book after the event. 

We’ll also be showcasing a Battle of Britain art display featuring new original work...

** Your ticket includes full access to the live event, Q&A, exhibition and book signing with Black Robertson, as well as complimentary drinks and refreshments throughout the day. **

Air Marshal GA. Black Robertson CBE BA FRAeS FRSA earned his pilot's wings in 1966 after three years at the RAF College Cranwell. Over a 36-year career, he flew all of the RAF's front-line fast jets and qualified as a helicopter pilot, with postings in Bahrain, the USA, Germany, and the Falklands.

The air marshal held several key leadership roles, including commanding No. 92 Squadron and serving as Station Commander at RAF Wattisham. He also completed five tours in Whitehall and was appointed an Aide-de-Camp to HM The Queen. Upon retiring in 1998, he joined BAE Systems before establishing his own consultancy.

An accomplished author, Black has published several works, with the ‘The Shy Assassin’ being his fifth and latest project. Beyond writing, he’s served as a trustee of the David Vaisey Library Prize, a mentor with the Cranfield Trust and remains an ambassador for the National Spitfire Project. Learn more at blackrobertson.com

‘The Shy Assassin’ will be available September 2025...

That Cyril Babbage survived two of the Second World War’s most momentous events unscathed – the Battle of Britain and the Normandy invasion – is testament not just to his skill as a pilot, but also to his extraordinary good fortune. Shot down three times, once by a Luftwaffe Experten and Knight’s Cross holder, he went on to claim the first Fw 190 lost in aerial combat, disposing of another holder of the Ritterkreuz in the process.

Amongst his fascinating experiences are tales of the famous names who briefly crossed his path, Amy Johnson and Douglas Bader amongst them, as well as lesser-known heroes: the youngsters with whom he served on Spitfire and Mosquito squadrons, and an intrepid SAS team operating behind enemy lines after D-Day. Unlike Babbage himself, who eventually retired as a wing commander, sadly all too many of these brave men were unable to enjoy the peace that victory brought.

Book quantities will be strictly limited on the day so be sure to pre-order with us for collection at the event to guarantee your signed copy and avoid disappointment.

Schedule of events:

10:00 - Gallery opens to ticketholders
11:00 - Air Marshal Black Robertson’s talk (please arrive at least 15 minutes prior)
11:45 - Q&A open to the audience
12:30 - Book signing of The Shy Assassin
13:00 - Light bites and nibbles served

📍Skyfall, Church Lane, Steventon, Oxfordshire, OX13 6SN

For further enquiries please don't hesitate to CONTACT US and we'll be delighted to help.

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