Battler Britton #1 is an issue of the series Battler Britton (Volume 1) with a cover date of September, 2006. It was published on July 5, 2006.
Synopsis for "Bloody Good Show, Part I"
In early October 1942, in North Africa, veteran Wing Commander Robert "Battler" Britton of the RAF and his Beaufighter 399 Squadron have been dispatched to cooperate with the American 107th Fighter Squadron. However, the squadron are met with hostile derision from their American counterparts, especially from Major Gilhooley, who are not keen on being teach by their British counterparts. This quickly turn into a brief brawl after one of Britton's men squarely punches Gilhooley for insulting his Wing Commander until being stop by Colonel Masters.
Both Britton and Gilhooley are summon to Colonel Masters' tent and are sternly told in needing both their men in learning cooperation. Britton suggest a way in putting the men's resentment behind them by sending them into action as he had found a suitable German target from the latest intelligence report. Both the men of the 399 Squadron and 107th are brief on their mission, which their target is a fuel and ammunition dump at El Fuqa, in which Britton will lead the attack with the 399 while Major Gilhooley and the 107th will provide escort before returning during the night.
The Anglo-American alliance commence their attack on El Fuqa, in which the 339 Squadron inflict considerable damage on the depot. However, as Britton and the 399 head back to base they are attack by Messerschmitts and without any protection from the Americans. The squadron fend off the Messerschmitts while enduring casualties until the 107th have finally reach to them, as they had carelessly join in decimating the depot after the 399 had cause enough damage to force the Germans to flee. But one of Britton's planes is heavily damage during the dogfight and is force to make an emergency landing behind enemy territory.
The 399 and the 107th return to base where one of Britton's men Patch confronts and angrily condemn Gilhooley and the Americans for their negligence that has cost the life of one of his friends, Jimmy Patterson who was only nineteen years old. Patch almost attempt to punch Gilhooley but is prevented by Britton. The Wing Commander then request to Colonel Masters that it is best to keep their respective pilots apart for the time being.
Later that night, Colonel Masters and Britton breaks off another tension between the British and Americans as they brings news from Desert Air Force HQ that their attack on El Fuqa has impressed their superiors in which the 399 and 107th are given orders to rush to Landing Ground 242, which is 200 miles behind German lines, to begin operations against enemy airfields and transport as soon possible.
Appearing in "Bloody Good Show, Part I"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Major Tex Gilhooley
- Mick
- Patch
- Jimmy Patterson (Dies)
- Captain Anderson
Antagonists:
- Luftwaffe
Other Characters:
Locations:
Items:
Vehicles:
- Bristol Beaufighter
- Curtiss P-40 Warhawks
- Messerschmitt Bf 109
Notes
- This issue is collected in the Battler Britton collection.
- Includes "A Short History of Battler Britton" by Garth Ennis.