When volunteer American pilots began arriving in Britain in the early part of World War Two they were readily accepted into the RAF because it needed every pilot it could get. Initially they served with RAF units, often posing as Canadians, but as more volunteers arrived it was decided to group them in a special American' squadron — along the lines of the famous French Escadrille Lafayette of World War One. Thus 71 Squadron was formed, and became known as the 'Eagle' squadron after the national emblem of the USA. One such volunteer was W R 'Bill' Dunn, who hailed from Minneapolis. He moved to Canada before the war and joined the Canadian Army. As part of the Canadian Seaforth Highlanders, on the outbreak of war he sailed for England. While serving as an anti-aircraft gunner he claimed two Junkers Ju 87 Stukas shot down during the Battle of Britain.
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