'Westland Whirlwind.' For many the name conjures up yellow air-sea rescue helicopters, not the sleek twin-engine monoplane that was the RAF's first single-seat cannon armed fighter, and which was faster than her famous cousin - the Spitfire. Only 114 were built - sufficient to equip two Squadrons - 263 and 137. Between 6th July 1940 and 31st December 1943, 210 pilots are listed in the Operational Record Books of these two Squadrons, so whilst 'The Few' won the Battle of Britain, the 'Whirlwind Men' were an even more select group. This book is a tribute to those men who answered their countries' call in those dark days.