Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain stands as a significant milestone in the course of World War II. It was not only the first major defeat for the Nazi war machine but also a turning point that signalled the resilience and determination of Britain and its Allies.
Understanding the Battle of Britain: Historical Context
World War II erupted in Europe in 1939 with Nazi Germany’s invasion of Poland. Following the conquest of Western Europe in the summer of 1940, Britain remained the last bastion against Hitler’s domination. The Battle of Britain was Hitler’s plan to gain air superiority over the UK as a precursor to a planned invasion codenamed ‘Operation Sea Lion’.
The Forces Engaged: The Royal Air Force vs The Luftwaffe
The clash in the skies over Britain involved the German air force, the Luftwaffe, and Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF). The RAF primarily utilised two types of fighter aircraft – the Supermarine Spitfire and the Hawker Hurricane. The Luftwaffe’s main aircraft were the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and the Bf 110.
The Battle Begins: July 1940
The Battle of Britain officially began on July 10, 1940. The Luftwaffe initially targeted shipping convoys and coastal towns to lure out the RAF fighter planes. As the battle progressed, the Germans shifted their focus to airfields and infrastructure, trying to cripple the RAF in anticipation of the coming invasion.
A Pivotal Moment: The Bombing of London
In late August, a crucial turn occurred when the Luftwaffe accidentally bombed London, prompting a retaliatory strike on Berlin by the RAF. Hitler, enraged by the bombing of Germany’s capital, ordered a shift in strategy: from targeting RAF airfields to bombing London and other cities—a period known as The Blitz. This change gave the strained RAF a vital reprieve to rebuild its strength.
The Role of the Polish and Other Allied Air Forces
The contribution of air forces from occupied countries, particularly Poland, was significant. Squadrons such as the Polish 303 Squadron achieved remarkable success. Pilots from nations like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Czechoslovakia, Belgium, France and others also played crucial roles.
The End of the Battle: October 1940
By mid-September, it was becoming clear that the Luftwaffe was not achieving its objectives. The RAF’s successful defence during the large-scale enemy attacks on September 15th, commemorated now as ‘Battle of Britain Day’, marked a significant turning point. In October, Hitler postponed ‘Operation Sea Lion’ indefinitely.
The Battle’s Aftermath and Legacy
The Battle of Britain was the first significant check on Nazi expansion and provided a vital morale boost for the Allies. It highlighted the bravery and skill of the RAF pilots, who Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously referred to as “The Few”.
For more detailed information, resources such as the Imperial War Museums, Royal Air Force Museum, and the National Archives offer a wealth of materials on the Battle of Britain.