Dowding, Lord (1882-1970), Hugh Caswall Tremenheere Dowding, led the British Fighter Command of the Royal Air Force (RAF) to victory in the Battle of Britain of World War II (1939-1945) in 1940. He was dismissed from his leadership of Fighter Command shortly after the battle. Many thought that Dowding’s dismissal was unjust. Dowding started his career in the Army but soon took an interest in flying. He joined the RAF shortly after its formation in 1918. Dowding was born in Dumfriesshire, England, on April 24, 1882. He died on Feb. 15, 1970. See also Britain, Battle of .
