Last year, in its typically squalid European election campaign, the BNP used an image of a Spitfire as part of its anti-immigration message. Just one problem: the photo they chose was of a craft flown by the 303 Squadron, a ruthlessly effective force made up of rescued Polish airmen.
To my shame, I knew little about the 303 Squadron before this deeply ironic error. Now, however, Channel 4 Education has launched a Flash game, Battle of Britain: 303 Squadron, recreating the key role these 34 Polish fighter pilots played in the decisive campaign, shooting down 136 enemy planes. It's a stylishly presented 2D flight shooter pitching you into dogfights with various craft and presenting genuine encounters from the battle – all interspersed with historical details and photographs.
The visuals are crisp and detailed with looming clouds, rolling landscapes and small, but intricately modelled aircraft. Controls are simple – just left, right, throttle and shoot – but they're implemented well enough to provide some compelling aerial combat. Players can collect achievements as they blast through the missions, and there's a multiplayer mode for up to four participants. Naturally, there's Facebook Connect support too, so you can easily invite your mates into the skies.
Developed by diversely talented creative agency Fish in a Bottle (who have also worked on some cute games for Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom – the ace new animation from the creators of Peppa Pig), it's another smart, quietly compelling interactive experience from the Channel 4 Education stable, which has also brought us 1066, another look at a rather important British battle, and Bow Street Runner, based around the formative London police force.
Even if you're rubbish at flight combat it's well worth taking a look at this game and reminding yourself about an amazing and inspiring slice of military history.
