The Battle of Britain The Application of Air Power in the Second World War

Bomber Theory Airplanes first emerged as a military technology during WWI Airplanes first emerged as a military technology during WWI Towards the end of that conflict they began to be used in an offensive capability Towards the end of that conflict they began to be used in an offensive capability With the development of the first Gotha bombers, some strategists suggested that air power could be used to defeat the enemy and avoid the slaughter of the trenches, and reintroduce battlefield mobility With the development of the first Gotha bombers, some strategists suggested that air power could be used to defeat the enemy and avoid the slaughter of the trenches, and reintroduce battlefield mobility Three key theorists emerged during the interwar period Three key theorists emerged during the interwar period

Guilio Douhet (Italy) Airplane had completely changed warfare Airplane had completely changed warfare Airplanes could win wars quickly and decisively Airplanes could win wars quickly and decisively Control of the skies would allow an airforce to operate whenever and wherever it desired since there was yet no effective defence against air attacks Control of the skies would allow an airforce to operate whenever and wherever it desired since there was yet no effective defence against air attacks With control of the skies pilots could then conduct aerial bombing of enemy cities, industrial centres and civilian populations, thereby sapping the will to resist With control of the skies pilots could then conduct aerial bombing of enemy cities, industrial centres and civilian populations, thereby sapping the will to resist Believed that civilian populations were not prepared for the effects of war, and therefore bombing would cause panic Believed that civilian populations were not prepared for the effects of war, and therefore bombing would cause panic Public pressure would push the government to negotiate for peace Public pressure would push the government to negotiate for peace Believed the bomber could fight its way to and back from the target, spawning the phrase “the bomber will always get through.” Believed the bomber could fight its way to and back from the target, spawning the phrase “the bomber will always get through.”

Sir Basil Henry Liddell Hart (Britain) WWI veteran WWI veteran Championed the virtually unlimited mobility of the airplane Championed the virtually unlimited mobility of the airplane Airplane could bypass the trenches and strike directly at the heart of the enemy Airplane could bypass the trenches and strike directly at the heart of the enemy Seemed to offer best way to quickly end wars Seemed to offer best way to quickly end wars Favoured long range bomber offensives to deliver a sudden, massive strike to enemy industrial centres to destroy the ability to resist Favoured long range bomber offensives to deliver a sudden, massive strike to enemy industrial centres to destroy the ability to resist

William Mitchell (USA) Wrote “The advent of air power has put a completely new complexion on the old ways of fighting wars.”(1930) Wrote “The advent of air power has put a completely new complexion on the old ways of fighting wars.”(1930) Called for much more accurate strategic bombing than Douhet Called for much more accurate strategic bombing than Douhet Airplanes should be used as strategic weapons to strike deep into enemy territory attacking vital areas such as factories and military installations Airplanes should be used as strategic weapons to strike deep into enemy territory attacking vital areas such as factories and military installations

The Appeal of Bomber Theory Military strategists had been trying to find an effective way to win quickly and cheaply Military strategists had been trying to find an effective way to win quickly and cheaply Air power had two advantages: no need for large and expensive armies; no need to spend money on air defence since the bomber “would always get through” Air power had two advantages: no need for large and expensive armies; no need to spend money on air defence since the bomber “would always get through” Nations invested heavily in developing bomber fleets between the wars Nations invested heavily in developing bomber fleets between the wars

Events Between the Wars Major powers all used bombers in their imperial ventures: either to control colonial populations or seize territory Major powers all used bombers in their imperial ventures: either to control colonial populations or seize territory Successful use encouraged their further development Successful use encouraged their further development Economic hardship of the Great Depression caused Britain to focus on its development as it was perceived to be a cheaper option than raising and training an army to fight overseas Economic hardship of the Great Depression caused Britain to focus on its development as it was perceived to be a cheaper option than raising and training an army to fight overseas In Germany, Hitler announced in 1935 that his newly created Luftwaffe was already equal in size to the RAF In Germany, Hitler announced in 1935 that his newly created Luftwaffe was already equal in size to the RAF

New technology produced bombers with longer range, greater payload capacity, and defensive weapons systems New technology produced bombers with longer range, greater payload capacity, and defensive weapons systems Below, a German Fokker-Wolfe Condor used at Guernica in the Spanish Civil War

Early Use of Air Power in WWII Air power in support of infantry and armoured cavalry had proven its worth for the German forces in Poland, Norway, and in the Battle of France Air power in support of infantry and armoured cavalry had proven its worth for the German forces in Poland, Norway, and in the Battle of France German control of the skies had virtually guaranteed victory in each of these cases German control of the skies had virtually guaranteed victory in each of these cases In Britain a mood of fear permeated; estimates calculated that the Luftwaffe could deliver 700 tonnes of bombs on London daily In Britain a mood of fear permeated; estimates calculated that the Luftwaffe could deliver 700 tonnes of bombs on London daily The Home Office gloomily calculated massive casualties and stockpiled collapsible coffins The Home Office gloomily calculated massive casualties and stockpiled collapsible coffins

A Notable Failure… At Dunkirk, Goerring had promised to wipe out the trapped French and British forces on the beaches At Dunkirk, Goerring had promised to wipe out the trapped French and British forces on the beaches While they had had to abandon much of their equipment, a huge number of British and French troops were evacuated from Dunkirk in late May and early June 1940 in Operation Dynamo While they had had to abandon much of their equipment, a huge number of British and French troops were evacuated from Dunkirk in late May and early June 1940 in Operation Dynamo It was originally hoped that up to 45,000 men might be rescued. The actual total came to 338,226 men. The Royal Navy lost six destroyers, 24 small warships. Over 70 of the "Little ships" were lost too. It was originally hoped that up to 45,000 men might be rescued. The actual total came to 338,226 men. The Royal Navy lost six destroyers, 24 small warships. Over 70 of the "Little ships" were lost too. The British navy alone did not have the capacity to get this many men out, so much of the credit for the “Miracle at Dunkirk” was given to a variety of small boats, including fishing boats and pleasure yachts, who came across the channel to ferry soldiers back to England The British navy alone did not have the capacity to get this many men out, so much of the credit for the “Miracle at Dunkirk” was given to a variety of small boats, including fishing boats and pleasure yachts, who came across the channel to ferry soldiers back to England Another key factor was the weather—it remained calm, allowing these small craft to safely cross the sometimes treacherous channel Another key factor was the weather—it remained calm, allowing these small craft to safely cross the sometimes treacherous channel A further key factor was the failure to use available Panzer units to crush the troops waiting for evacuation, something it is still unclear as to why Hitler hesitated A further key factor was the failure to use available Panzer units to crush the troops waiting for evacuation, something it is still unclear as to why Hitler hesitated

The British navy alone did not have the capacity to get this many men out, so much of the credit for the “Miracle at Dunkirk” was given to a variety of small boats, including fishing boats and pleasure yachts, who came across the channel to ferry soldiers back to England The British navy alone did not have the capacity to get this many men out, so much of the credit for the “Miracle at Dunkirk” was given to a variety of small boats, including fishing boats and pleasure yachts, who came across the channel to ferry soldiers back to England Another key factor was the weather—it remained calm, allowing these small craft to safely cross the sometimes treacherous channel Another key factor was the weather—it remained calm, allowing these small craft to safely cross the sometimes treacherous channel A further key factor was the failure to use available Panzer units to crush the troops waiting for evacuation, something it is still unclear as to why Hitler hesitated A further key factor was the failure to use available Panzer units to crush the troops waiting for evacuation, something it is still unclear as to why Hitler hesitated

Hitler’s Next Target After the fall of France, Hitler turned his sights on Britain After the fall of France, Hitler turned his sights on Britain Initially German high command believed it was necessary to knock Britain out of the war before they could take on Soviet Russia Initially German high command believed it was necessary to knock Britain out of the war before they could take on Soviet Russia Britain expected to be the next target and preparations were begun Britain expected to be the next target and preparations were begun

Churchill Churchill had become Prime Minister of Britain in May 1940 after Chamberlain’s diplomatic failure became obvious with Nazi aggression in Western Europe Churchill had become Prime Minister of Britain in May 1940 after Chamberlain’s diplomatic failure became obvious with Nazi aggression in Western Europe Before the war, Churchill had warned of Hitler’s plans and spoken out against appeasement policies, resulting in some people labelling him a “warmonger” Before the war, Churchill had warned of Hitler’s plans and spoken out against appeasement policies, resulting in some people labelling him a “warmonger”

Goerring Commander of the Luftwaffe Commander of the Luftwaffe Hitler’s chief advisor on military matters Hitler’s chief advisor on military matters Promised Hitler us would destroy the trapped French and British troops at Dunkirk—escape of the British thanks to bravery and coordination and favourable weather conditions was a humiliation he was determined erase Promised Hitler us would destroy the trapped French and British troops at Dunkirk—escape of the British thanks to bravery and coordination and favourable weather conditions was a humiliation he was determined erase

Luftwaffe’s Advantage In 1940 the Luftwaffe possessed air superiority In 1940 the Luftwaffe possessed air superiority The had the largest number of planes and faced little opposition The had the largest number of planes and faced little opposition Employed terror bombing Employed terror bombing Seen as the key to decisive victory Seen as the key to decisive victory

German Confidence Goerring promised Hitler that his Luftwaffe would smash the RAF and bring Britain to its knees, paving the way for an amphibious invasion Goerring promised Hitler that his Luftwaffe would smash the RAF and bring Britain to its knees, paving the way for an amphibious invasion "My Luftwaffe is invincible. And now we turn to England. How long will this one last - two, three weeks?” Hermann Goering in June "My Luftwaffe is invincible. And now we turn to England. How long will this one last - two, three weeks?” Hermann Goering in June “We might, had the plans been ready, have crossed to England with strong forces after the Dunkirk operation". General Guenther Blumentritt in June “We might, had the plans been ready, have crossed to England with strong forces after the Dunkirk operation". General Guenther Blumentritt in June "How long would they last in battle, they ran from Dunkirk, they deserted France completely for the safety of home, England is there for the taking." General Hugo Sperrle June "How long would they last in battle, they ran from Dunkirk, they deserted France completely for the safety of home, England is there for the taking." General Hugo Sperrle June 1940.

The Plans… Germany was taking its time in deciding which would be the best and most effective way in which to invade Britain. Germany was taking its time in deciding which would be the best and most effective way in which to invade Britain. Landings would come in the form of amphibious operations 'en masse' across the Channel which would be closely followed by paratroopers and gliders from the air. Landings would come in the form of amphibious operations 'en masse' across the Channel which would be closely followed by paratroopers and gliders from the air. River crossings had always been a part of the German Army training, but the channel crossing would present a different problem. River crossings had always been a part of the German Army training, but the channel crossing would present a different problem. It would be the widest crossing ever made, and those participating would have to contend with strong currents, possible high winds and the possibility of attack from the air by the RAF. It would be the widest crossing ever made, and those participating would have to contend with strong currents, possible high winds and the possibility of attack from the air by the RAF.

The decision was made that the Luftwaffe would prepare the way for a German invasion. The decision was made that the Luftwaffe would prepare the way for a German invasion. Before any amphibious or paratroop landings could be made, the Royal Air Force would have to be eliminated, and Hitler and his Commander- in-Chiefs agreed that the Luftwaffe would have to establish total air supremacy over the English Channel and Southern England. Before any amphibious or paratroop landings could be made, the Royal Air Force would have to be eliminated, and Hitler and his Commander- in-Chiefs agreed that the Luftwaffe would have to establish total air supremacy over the English Channel and Southern England. This would then allow German aircraft to support the amphibious landings on the beaches. This would then allow German aircraft to support the amphibious landings on the beaches. The plan was to eliminate the RAF on the ground, destroying aerodromes and aircraft before they had a chance to take off. The plan was to eliminate the RAF on the ground, destroying aerodromes and aircraft before they had a chance to take off.

Heavy bombers would be launched for the initial attack supported by Bf110 aircraft (aka the Messerschmitt) which had a longer range than their front line fighters, but these would be used to attack any aircraft that would manage to take off. Heavy bombers would be launched for the initial attack supported by Bf110 aircraft (aka the Messerschmitt) which had a longer range than their front line fighters, but these would be used to attack any aircraft that would manage to take off. Goering thought that this would be an easy task as he impressed upon his flight leaders "that not only do the RAF not have enough aircraft to win an air battle, their pilots are untrained in air combat and to clear the skies ready for our invasion should take no more than two......three weeks". Goering thought that this would be an easy task as he impressed upon his flight leaders "that not only do the RAF not have enough aircraft to win an air battle, their pilots are untrained in air combat and to clear the skies ready for our invasion should take no more than two......three weeks".

Once the Luftwaffe had maintained air superiority, the plan was to land a number of German Army Groups around the south-eastern coastal beaches of England. Once the Luftwaffe had maintained air superiority, the plan was to land a number of German Army Groups around the south-eastern coastal beaches of England. The landings would be broken up into waves The landings would be broken up into waves The initial wave to land on Army Group B's beaches would comprise no less than ten infantry divisions made up of 120,000 infantry soldiers, 4,650 horses, 700 tanks, 1,500 army vehicles. The initial wave to land on Army Group B's beaches would comprise no less than ten infantry divisions made up of 120,000 infantry soldiers, 4,650 horses, 700 tanks, 1,500 army vehicles. Each side of the landings would be supported by some 30,000 paratroopers whose job it would be to cut communications, secure bridges, railways and small villages. Each side of the landings would be supported by some 30,000 paratroopers whose job it would be to cut communications, secure bridges, railways and small villages. The landings in the Dover and Ramsgate areas would also be carried out in waves and the final objective here would undoubtedly be London. The landings in the Dover and Ramsgate areas would also be carried out in waves and the final objective here would undoubtedly be London.

Operation Sealion

There is no doubt that Germany had the manpower, the tanks, aircraft and military know-how. There is no doubt that Germany had the manpower, the tanks, aircraft and military know-how. Some of the German Generals had repeatedly said that the plan was to rushed, and that not enough research had gone into any of the tactics to be used. Some of the German Generals had repeatedly said that the plan was to rushed, and that not enough research had gone into any of the tactics to be used. Others said that more had to be done as to find the exact strength of the British military forces before any such plan was to be put into operation. Others said that more had to be done as to find the exact strength of the British military forces before any such plan was to be put into operation. Hitler was determined that these rushed plans for "Operation Sealion" should go ahead and the due date for this would be in mid August Hitler was determined that these rushed plans for "Operation Sealion" should go ahead and the due date for this would be in mid August It was not until July 13th that the German Staff had put before Adolph Hitler the draft plans for an invasion. It was not until July 13th that the German Staff had put before Adolph Hitler the draft plans for an invasion. By the July 31st Hitler had been convinced that the operation must go ahead and his approval was stamped on "Operation Sealion" with the date of the invasion to be postponed from mid August until September 17th By the July 31st Hitler had been convinced that the operation must go ahead and his approval was stamped on "Operation Sealion" with the date of the invasion to be postponed from mid August until September 17th 1940.

The initial plans for the Luftwaffe to wipe out the Royal Air Force started to take shape. The initial plans for the Luftwaffe to wipe out the Royal Air Force started to take shape. They used the airfields in such countries as Belgium, Holland and France and used them as Luftwaffe bases They used the airfields in such countries as Belgium, Holland and France and used them as Luftwaffe bases After stocking them up with aircraft, fuel, ammunition and bombs, and installing a base communications system slowly converted them into operational bases. After stocking them up with aircraft, fuel, ammunition and bombs, and installing a base communications system slowly converted them into operational bases.

British Preparations Churchill announced that Britain's lines of defence should be to: Maintain a vigilant watch on the enemy's coastal ports by the RAF and the submarines of the Royal Navy. Maintain a vigilant watch on the enemy's coastal ports by the RAF and the submarines of the Royal Navy. Any activity at these ports should be attacked and destroyed by either the Royal Air Force Bomber Command and the Royal Navy or by both. Any activity at these ports should be attacked and destroyed by either the Royal Air Force Bomber Command and the Royal Navy or by both. The second line of defence should be: Constant patrolling of British waters by Royal Air Force Coastal Command and by the Royal Navy. Constant patrolling of British waters by Royal Air Force Coastal Command and by the Royal Navy. Any detected enemy invasion force to be intercepted and destroyed by the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force Any detected enemy invasion force to be intercepted and destroyed by the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force The last line of defence was 'the beaches’: If the enemy ever got that far then everything would be thrown at them from the Army, Navy and the Air Force. If the enemy ever got that far then everything would be thrown at them from the Army, Navy and the Air Force. But if the enemy was to use its air power as an advance striking force, then there would be no alternative but to destroy them with the Royal Air Force and the Royal Air Force alone. And this is of course what happened

After Dunkirk, the German army decided to take what could be termed......a holiday. After Dunkirk, the German army decided to take what could be termed......a holiday. It was a known fact now, that an invasion of Britain was imminent, but unknown when would they strike, or why they were holding back. It was a known fact now, that an invasion of Britain was imminent, but unknown when would they strike, or why they were holding back. This gave Britain time to re-group. This gave Britain time to re-group. More fighter planes arrived at the airfields adding further strength to Fighter Command More fighter planes arrived at the airfields adding further strength to Fighter Command More pilots were being assigned to squadrons all over England, new combat tactics were being taught to pilots old and new, More pilots were being assigned to squadrons all over England, new combat tactics were being taught to pilots old and new, A lot of lessons were learnt in France: '...what we experienced in France, was only a taste of what was to follow in the defence of England'. A lot of lessons were learnt in France: '...what we experienced in France, was only a taste of what was to follow in the defence of England'. More and more fighter aircraft were being fitted with the variable airscrews which would give the fighters far better performance. More and more fighter aircraft were being fitted with the variable airscrews which would give the fighters far better performance.

Phases of the Battle It has always been a point of controversy as to how many phases there were in the Battle of Britain. It has always been a point of controversy as to how many phases there were in the Battle of Britain. In Britain all historians agree that the Battle of Britain commenced on July 10th In Britain all historians agree that the Battle of Britain commenced on July 10th Each phase depicts a different approach to combat attack and defence. Each phase depicts a different approach to combat attack and defence. Some historians claim that there were four phases in the battle while others make claim to it consisting of five. Some historians claim that there were four phases in the battle while others make claim to it consisting of five. What follows is a consolidated version… What follows is a consolidated version…

Phase 1. (July 10th - August 7th 1940) Attacks on the Channel Convoys. The bulk of attacks were in the south where the Luftwaffe went on probing attacks on British shipping in the English Channel and in the outer Thames Estuary. The bulk of attacks were in the south where the Luftwaffe went on probing attacks on British shipping in the English Channel and in the outer Thames Estuary. During this phase, London remained unscathed; many Londoners went about their business as usual as if there was no war on at all. During this phase, London remained unscathed; many Londoners went about their business as usual as if there was no war on at all. Most of these attacks in the Channel were on the merchant convoys conveying much needed coal, raw materials, machinery and foodstuffs to Britain. Most of these attacks in the Channel were on the merchant convoys conveying much needed coal, raw materials, machinery and foodstuffs to Britain. By sinking these merchant ships Germany would deny the British people of the various commodities required for their existence. By sinking these merchant ships Germany would deny the British people of the various commodities required for their existence. At the same time, by attacking these channel convoys, it was hoped that the Luftwaffe would draw out the British fighters from their bases so it could analyze the strength of the RAF, and determine the speed and efficiency that the RAF could deploy its squadrons At the same time, by attacking these channel convoys, it was hoped that the Luftwaffe would draw out the British fighters from their bases so it could analyze the strength of the RAF, and determine the speed and efficiency that the RAF could deploy its squadrons It was hoped that the Luftwaffe would destroy the RAF in the air. It was hoped that the Luftwaffe would destroy the RAF in the air.

Phase 2. (August 8th - September 6th 1940) Attacks on RAF Airfields The attacks on shipping continued, but after the failure to draw and destroy Fighter Command in the air, Germany's tactics were to now bomb and destroy RAF airfields in southern and south-east England and to obliterate the radar stations along the south coast. The attacks on shipping continued, but after the failure to draw and destroy Fighter Command in the air, Germany's tactics were to now bomb and destroy RAF airfields in southern and south-east England and to obliterate the radar stations along the south coast. German intelligence reported back to Berlin that the RAF total strength had been seriously depleted and that with continued attacks the Luftwaffe would have command of the skies over the Channel and in Southern England. German intelligence reported back to Berlin that the RAF total strength had been seriously depleted and that with continued attacks the Luftwaffe would have command of the skies over the Channel and in Southern England. Hitler then issued his directive No.16 which would put "Operation Sealion", the invasion of Britain into operation. Hitler then issued his directive No.16 which would put "Operation Sealion", the invasion of Britain into operation. This phase was all important to Germany, as it had to destroy the RAF both in the air and on the ground if any attempt at an invasion crossing of the Channel was to be a success. This phase was all important to Germany, as it had to destroy the RAF both in the air and on the ground if any attempt at an invasion crossing of the Channel was to be a success. RAF Fighter Command was stretched to the limit. RAF Fighter Command was stretched to the limit.

Radar played a key role in this phase of the battle Radar played a key role in this phase of the battle The RAF had limited resources in terms of fuel, planes, and pilots The RAF had limited resources in terms of fuel, planes, and pilots British radar had a far more effective cover range British radar had a far more effective cover range Allowed them to pinpoint incoming raiders and send planes out to meet them, saving limited manpower and resources Allowed them to pinpoint incoming raiders and send planes out to meet them, saving limited manpower and resources

On the 12th August, 1940, the German airforce began its mass bomber attacks on British radar stations, aircraft factories and fighter airfields. On the 12th August, 1940, the German airforce began its mass bomber attacks on British radar stations, aircraft factories and fighter airfields. During these raids radar stations and airfields were badly damaged and twenty-two RAF planes were destroyed. This attack was followed by daily raids on Britain. During these raids radar stations and airfields were badly damaged and twenty-two RAF planes were destroyed. This attack was followed by daily raids on Britain. As a result of the effective range of the Luftwaffe, the battle was mainly fought over southern England. As a result of the effective range of the Luftwaffe, the battle was mainly fought over southern England. Between 1st and 18th August the RAF lost 208 fighters and 106 pilots. Between 1st and 18th August the RAF lost 208 fighters and 106 pilots. The second half of the month saw even heavier losses and wastage now outstripped the production of new aircraft and the training of pilots to fly them. The second half of the month saw even heavier losses and wastage now outstripped the production of new aircraft and the training of pilots to fly them. Those British pilots that did survive suffered from combat fatigue. Those British pilots that did survive suffered from combat fatigue.

Phase 3. (September 7th - September 30th 1940) Bombing of London, Major Cities & Airfields The first bombing attacks on the City of London started the third phase of the battle The first bombing attacks on the City of London started the third phase of the battle The RAF were close to defeat but Hitler changed his tactics and ordered the Luftwaffe to switch its attack from British airfields, factories and docks to civilian targets. The RAF were close to defeat but Hitler changed his tactics and ordered the Luftwaffe to switch its attack from British airfields, factories and docks to civilian targets. This decision was the result of a bombing attack on Berlin that had been ordered by Charles Portal, the new head of Bomber Command. This decision was the result of a bombing attack on Berlin that had been ordered by Charles Portal, the new head of Bomber Command. Heavy bomb concentrations of the industrial factories and the dock areas of London's "East End" turned the city into a huge fireball on both sides of the River Thames. Heavy bomb concentrations of the industrial factories and the dock areas of London's "East End" turned the city into a huge fireball on both sides of the River Thames. Luftwaffe theory was that mass bombing raids could inflict severe damage to the city, lowering the moral and strength of the people while at the same time eliminating the last of the remaining fighters Luftwaffe theory was that mass bombing raids could inflict severe damage to the city, lowering the moral and strength of the people while at the same time eliminating the last of the remaining fighters Attacks on RAF airfields would continue on a lesser scale, and the daylight bombing of London would continue until the end of the month. Attacks on RAF airfields would continue on a lesser scale, and the daylight bombing of London would continue until the end of the month. Heavy night bombing was then planned to continue for as long as it took, or until the city and its people were bombed into submission. Heavy night bombing was then planned to continue for as long as it took, or until the city and its people were bombed into submission. King George, Queen-Consort Elizabeth, and Churchill all remained in the capital—a great source of inspiration for resistance King George, Queen-Consort Elizabeth, and Churchill all remained in the capital—a great source of inspiration for resistance

Phase 4. (October 1st - October 31st 1940) Concentrated Night Bombing Tactics The night raids continued with Hitler's planned invasion in tatters. Throughout September he kept the thrust of his heavy bombers mainly on London, but many other industrial centres suffered as well, but at a high attrition rate to the Luftwaffe. They continued to suffer heavier losses than the RAF and this they could not afford to do. The night raids continued with Hitler's planned invasion in tatters. Throughout September he kept the thrust of his heavy bombers mainly on London, but many other industrial centres suffered as well, but at a high attrition rate to the Luftwaffe. They continued to suffer heavier losses than the RAF and this they could not afford to do. The earlier plan to destroy Fighter Command had failed miserably, still the British fighters defended their capital even though considerable damage was being done, so in late September "Operation Sealion" was cancelled. The earlier plan to destroy Fighter Command had failed miserably, still the British fighters defended their capital even though considerable damage was being done, so in late September "Operation Sealion" was cancelled. The night bombing raids continued thought October, mainly in desperation, and in the hope that the RAF would falter, but all the Luftwaffe was doing was losing more aircraft and losing more and more aircrews. The night bombing raids continued thought October, mainly in desperation, and in the hope that the RAF would falter, but all the Luftwaffe was doing was losing more aircraft and losing more and more aircrews. By October 31st, the skies were all quiet as Germany directed its efforts towards Russia. But night bombing attacks on London and other cities and industrial centres was to continue. By October 31st, the skies were all quiet as Germany directed its efforts towards Russia. But night bombing attacks on London and other cities and industrial centres was to continue.

German Failure The Blitz brought an end to the Battle of Britain. During the conflict the Royal Air Force lost 792 planes and the Luftwaffe 1,389. The Blitz brought an end to the Battle of Britain. During the conflict the Royal Air Force lost 792 planes and the Luftwaffe 1,389. There were 2,353 men from Great Britain and 574 from overseas who were members of the air crews that took part in the Battle of Britain. There were 2,353 men from Great Britain and 574 from overseas who were members of the air crews that took part in the Battle of Britain. An estimated 544 were killed and a further 791 lost their lives in the course of their duties before the war came to an end. An estimated 544 were killed and a further 791 lost their lives in the course of their duties before the war came to an end. In the end, The German decision to use terror bombing allowed the RAF to recover and rebuild In the end, The German decision to use terror bombing allowed the RAF to recover and rebuild Britain began to be more successful in countering attacks and the kill ratio shifted in their favour Britain began to be more successful in countering attacks and the kill ratio shifted in their favour With pilot losses mounting with no apparent sign of victory, Operation Sealion was abandoned and Hitler turned his attention to the Battle of the Atlantic to defeat Britain, and set his sights on Russia With pilot losses mounting with no apparent sign of victory, Operation Sealion was abandoned and Hitler turned his attention to the Battle of the Atlantic to defeat Britain, and set his sights on Russia