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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Collections search

Round 17 Pdr APC
(weapons and ammunition)
Complete 17Pdr APC round
Wireless Equipment, Wireless Set No 58 Mk I: Canadian
(equipment) Made by: Addison Industries, Canada 1943
This set was was developed for short-range R/T communications in forward areas, primarily for inter-battalion use, infantry patrols and paratroopers. The frequency range is 6 to 9 Mc/s, and power output is 0.3 Watts. It was introduced into service in...
Wireless Equipment, No 88 Set Type A: British
(equipment)
No description available
Shoes, 'Tabi' : Japanese Army
(uniforms and insignia)
This peculiar form of footwear were issued to Japanese personnel and worn as an alternative to conventional leather ankle boots. This pair of Japanese Army 'Tabi' were given to the donor while he was a POW of the Japanese in Thailand.
Wireless Equipment, Wireless Set No 21, British
(equipment) 1939
Wireless Set No 21 was developed for Infantry Brigade and Royal Artillery Regiment communications. It was introduced into service in 1940.The set was later used as a vehicle station, animal pack station or ground station replacing Wireless Set No 11....
Electronic Equipment, Receiver Type R 3170 A, British
(equipment) 1939
The three associated COM units (COMS 673, 674, & 675) come from the Airborne Radio Installation Unit 5559 known as Village Inn Mk 1 or AGL(T). This Airborne Gun-Laying in Turrets equipment was essentially radar equipment which projected a dot on to...
Sherman DD (Duplex Drive) tank
(vehicles, aircraft and ships)
Modified Monogram plastic kit, depicting floatation collar partly erected.
Shell 9.2" How Chemical
(weapons and ammunition)
shell
Model 'B' FWD 4x4 truck
(vehicles, aircraft and ships) Made by: FWD = Four Wheel Drive Auto Company 1917
Standard British Army truck of World War One. This type was purchased in large numbers from its American manufacturer becuase it was four wheel drive - very rare for a truck type at this time. Sold by War Department after the First World War to a West...
Rapier (surface-to-air anti-aircraft missile)
(weapons and ammunition) Made by: British Aerospace
missile, transit box