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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THE ROYAL NAVY DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR
part of "ADMIRALTY OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Royal Navy official photographer
Left to right: Commander J Milner-Barry, RN; Captain H Hickling, CBE, DSC, RN, the High Commissioner of New Zealand, Mr Jordan, and Mr Skinner, of New Zealand Naval Affairs, during Mr Jordan's visit to Plymouth.
THE ROYAL NAVY DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR
part of "ADMIRALTY OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Royal Navy official photographer
A control position on board a 126 foot type British motor minesweeper at Yarmouth.
THE ROYAL NAVY DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR
part of "ADMIRALTY OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Royal Navy official photographer
Refugees, surrounded by the remains of their belongings, wait on the quay for transport to their village after a voyage on board a British ship.
THE ROYAL NAVY DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR
part of "ADMIRALTY OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Royal Navy official photographer
The rescue craft with its happy load of ex-prisoners of war, rescued from behind enemy lines, arriving at Termoli, Italy. A landing craft infantry (large) (possibly LCI 272) can be seen in the distance.
THE ROYAL NAVY DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR
part of "ADMIRALTY OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Royal Navy official photographer
An old woman refugee being helped down the gangway of a landing craft infantry (LCI 316) at Barletta, Italy.
THE ROYAL NAVY DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR
part of "ADMIRALTY OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Royal Navy official photographer
Members of the crew of the minesweeping trawler HMT HORNBEAM, former solicitors' clerks, commercial travellers, lorry drivers etc., have formed a dance band "The Sweepers Swingsters". When in harbour they play at naval dances, Warship Week functions etc...
THE ROYAL NAVY DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR
part of "ADMIRALTY OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Royal Navy official photographer
Twin mounted Lewis Guns used as anti aircraft weapons being tested on board the corvette HMS CLEMATIS at Liverpool.
GUNNERY SCHOOL FOR INTER-ALLIED MERCHANT SEAMEN. 1 AND 2 APRIL 1942, LIVERPOOL.
part of "ADMIRALTY OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Royal Navy official photographer
A West Indian Merchant Seaman firing a Lewis Gun.
THE ROYAL NAVY DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR
part of "ADMIRALTY OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Royal Navy official photographer
The Receiving Room at Prenton Wireless Telegraphy Station.
THE ROYAL NAVY DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR
part of "ADMIRALTY OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Royal Navy official photographer
U-boat survivors walking along the quayside at Plymouth and on their way to prisoner of war camp after disembarking from the frigate BICKERTON that had sunk their U-Boat, U 269 on 25 June 1944 off Start Point, 50 01'N, 02 59'W.