Keith Park

Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park was the New Zealand-born RAF commander who directed the fighter defence of London and Southeast England during the Battle of Britain. As head of No. 11 Group, he made the crucial tactical decisions that determined which squadrons intercepted which raids — arguably the most important tactical role of the entire war.Park later commanded the air defence of Malta during the siege and the Allied air forces during the liberation of Burma. Despite his pivotal role, he was controversially replaced after the Battle of Britain and received far less recognition than he deserved. His Brighton connections come through No. 11 Group's area of responsibility.