The Battle of Britain

Intended Learning Objectives Understand the importance of the Battle of Britain in preventing foreign invasion and the role played by the Royal Air Force pilots in the campaign. To consider a life without personal freedom and social justice. To participate in a debate and listen and respond to opposing viewpoints. © HAAP Media Ltd (Steve Woods)

The Battle of Britain (1940) World War 2 began in September 1939 following Germany’s invasion of Poland. By the 10 th of May 1940 the War had spread into Western Europe following the German invasion of France and the Low countries.

By June the 25th 1940 the Germans looked to be in a commanding position. The French army had surrendered and the British Expeditionary Force had been forced to evacuate from northern France. The Battle of Britain (1940) British troops being evacuated from Dunkirk

Hitler believed the war was nearly over and believed that an invasion could lead to a rapid surrender. However he knew the German navy wasn't strong enough to ensure a successful invasion. Therefore it was important to gain control of the air above the British Channel before attempting an invasion. The Battle of Britain (1940)

To achieve this the German forces had to destroy or at least severely weaken the Royal Air Force, either by bombing airfields or destroying planes in aerial battles. On 10 th of July the German air force started to attack boats crossing the British Channel, leading to the first aerial engagements with British fighter pilots escorting the boats. Air Marshall Sir Keith Park

The Battle of Britain (1940) On August the 13 th the German forces started to attack British radar defence systems, as a precursor to a sustained attack on British airfields. However the radar outposts had been built to withstand heavy attacks and therefore avoided sustaining serious damage. A radar site used to locate German submarines

The RAF were sustaining heavy losses, with many planes being shot down. Although the production of planes was quick – up to 300 per week, there was a shortage of pilots. This shortage was eased by volunteers from Commonwealth countries such as South Africa and from occupied countries such as France and Poland. The Battle of Britain (1940) Formation of German Bombers

The Battle of Britain (1940) Germany was also sustaining heavy losses and had an even greater shortage of pilots and planes. By September 7th the Germans mistakenly believed that the British forces had been so badly damaged that it had been nearly destroyed. RAF Spitfire squadron

The focus of the Luftwaffe was then focussed on civilian and industrial targets in an attempt to destroy Britain’s morale and industrial infrastructure. However the RAF was far from destroyed and the fighter pilots rose up to defend London from the attacks by the Luftwaffe. The Battle of Britain (1940) Fire fighters at a bombed factory in Manchester

The Battle of Britain (1940) However the RAF was far from destroyed and the fighter pilots rose up to defend London from the attacks by the Luftwaffe. On the 15 th of September the RAF decisively repulsed two massive waves of German aerial assault, destroying 60 German aircraft in the process. Children made homeless during the blitz of London

The Battle of Britain (1940) Because of their massive losses the Luftwaffe were forced to switch from 24hr bombing to night time raids. By October the air raids had become less frequent although they continued throughout the war. In December 1940 Hitler issued a directive which signalled that there was to be no invasion of Britain. Many have claimed that this was due to Germany’s inability to gain control of the air above Britain.

The RAF had destroyed 1,023 aircraft, killing 2698 German pilots and gunners. This signalled the first defeat of Hitler’s military forces and has been interpreted as a turning point for the war, slowing Germany’s previously swift sweep through Europe. The Battle of Britain (1940) Squadron Leader James Lacey standing by the propeller of a Hawker Hurricane.

The Battle of Britain (1940) Wing Commander Alan Deere with Squadron Leader Denis Crowley-Milling DSO DFC

The Battle of Britain (1940) Luftwaffe Junkers Ju87 (Stuka) dive bomber in action

The Battle of Britain (1940) Squadron Leader Stanford Tuck poses with a group of pilots of 257 Squadron, Royal Air Force under the nose of a Hawker Hurricane

The Battle of Britain (1940) Hawker Hurricanes of 85 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Winston Churchill’s speech On the 20 th of August 1940 the Prime Minister Winston Churchill gave a speech praising the efforts of the RAF Fighter Command.

He said: “The gratitude of every home in our Island, in our Empire, and indeed throughout the world, except in the abodes of the guilty, goes out to the British airmen who, undaunted by odds, unwearied in their constant challenge and mortal danger, are turning the tide of the world war by their prowess and by their devotion. Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” Winston Churchill’s speech

Intended Learning Objectives Understand the importance of the Battle of Britain in preventing foreign invasion and the role played by the Royal Air Force pilots in the campaign. To consider a life without personal freedom and social justice. To participate in a debate and listen and respond to opposing viewpoints. © HAAP Media Ltd (Steve Woods)