The Battle of Britain

The battle begins, summer 1940
The battle begins, summer 1940

After defeating France in June 1940, Hitler assumed Britain would sue for peace but ordered his armed forces to prepare for invasion. Hermann Goering assured him that a sustained air assault would destroy the RAF, winning the air superiority needed.
A Heinkel He 111 bomber flying over London, September 1940
A Heinkel He 111 bomber flying over London, September 1940

July 1940 saw German planes target shipping in the Channel, drawing the RAF into combat, before radar stations, communications centres and airfields faced round-the-clock bombing in August. The battle reached a climax with attacks on London in September.
The Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF)
The Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF)

Joan 'Elizabeth' Mortimer, Elspeth Henderson and Helen Turner of the WAAF. All three received the Military Medal for courageous conduct during attacks on Biggin Hill airfield. Biggin Hill suffered a total of ten major attacks between 30 Aug and 5 Sept.
Non-British personnel in the RAF
Non-British personnel in the RAF

A group of pilots of No. 303 (Polish) Squadron RAF return from a sortie. The first Polish squadrons were formed in the summer of 1940. Pilots came from several other countries, including Australia, Canada, Czechoslovakia, New Zealand and the USA.
Sector 'G' Operations Room at RAF Duxford
Sector 'G' Operations Room at RAF Duxford

RAF Duxford was a Sector Station in 12 Group, responsible for defending the Midlands and East Anglia. As the fighting intensified, Duxford's squadrons were called on to support 11 Group's defence of London and the south-east.
Hawker Hurricane Mk Is of No. 85 Squadron RAF
Hawker Hurricane Mk Is of No. 85 Squadron RAF

Despite incessant attacks, the RAF's defences held. The Luftwaffe could not continue, and in the autumn switched to 'nuisance' raids and night operations. The failure to defeat the RAF convinced Hitler to postpone his invasion plans indefinitely.

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Ladies Emergency Committee of the Navy League
(posters) Made by: Leddie, P (artist) 1918
whole: the image occupies the whole, with the title integrated and positioned across the top edge, in blue. The text is integrated and positioned lower left and across the bottom, in blue. All set against a white background. image: a German nurse pours a...
The Need for More Fighting Men is Urgent
(posters) Made by: Unknown (artist) 1914-08
whole: the title, beneath the Royal Charter, occupies the majority, in red, with the text across the bottom, in blue. All set against a white background and held within a narrow red and blue border. image: text only. text: G.R. [Royal Charter] THE NEED...
What are you Doing for the Empire?
(posters) Made by: Unknown (artist)
whole: the title and text occupy the whole, in white cursive script, set against a red background. image: text only. text: 'What are you doing for the Empire?' Now's the time to show what you can do! Join the Army today ISSUED BY THE PUBLICITY DEPARTMENT...
Be a Sportsman and Lend a Hand to the Lads at the Front
(posters) Made by: Unknown (artist)
whole: the title and text occupy the whole, in white cursive script, set against a purple background. image: text only. text: Be a Sportsman and lend a hand to the lads at the front. They want your help! ISSUED BY THE PUBLICITY DEPARTMENT, CENTRAL LONDON...
What are you Doing for the Empire?
(posters) Made by: Unknown (artist)
whole: the title and text occupy the whole, in white cursive script, set against a purple background. image: text only. text: 'What are you doing for the Empire?' Now's the time to show what you can do! Join the Army today ISSUED BY THE PUBLICITY...