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

The Operational Service Medal Afghanistan (2001)
(decorations and awards) Made by: Royal Mint 2000
This Operational Service Medal was issued to armed forces personnel who have served in Afghanistan, or in support of Operation VERITAS, after 11 September 2001. Other related operations that count towards qualification for this medal include: Operation...
The Iraq Medal (2003)
(decorations and awards) Made by: Royal Mint 2004
The Iraq Medal was authorised by DCI JOINT 34/04 and approved by HM The Queen in recognition of campaign service related to operations in, and in support of, Iraq. The opening qualification date being 20 January 2003. The Iraq Medal has the same status...
Military Cross & MC
(decorations and awards) Made by: Royal Mint 1926
NB. Acquired via Department of Documents together with the papers of Air Commodore J M D Ker CBE. This material came into the museum in 1987 and 1993. AVM Sturley Philip Simpson CB CBE MC (1896- ?). CB and CBE do not appear to be with the rest of Simpson...
1914-1915 Star
(decorations and awards) Made by: Royal Mint
NB. Acquired via Department of Documents together with the papers of Air Commodore J M D Ker CBE. This material came into the museum in 1987 and 1993. AVM Sturley Philip Simpson CB CBE MC (1896- ?). CB and CBE do not appear to be with the rest of Simpson...
Distinguished Conduct Medal & DCM
(decorations and awards) Made by: Royal Mint
Specimen example of a King George V issue DCM, first type with bar (denoting subsequent award). Obverse design (Royal effigy) was by Sir Bertram MacKennal and his initials are beneath the monarch's left shoulder. A bar for subsequent acts of gallantry...
General Service Medal (1918-1964)
(decorations and awards) Made by: Royal Mint
Specimen example of a King George V issue campaign medal with 6 clasps (the full complement of clasps awarded during the reign of George V). The medal was instituted for award to personnel of the Army and Royal Air Force and the associated claps record...
Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal (1953)
(decorations and awards) Made by: Royal Mint 1953
medal and ribbon (See) MODEL OMD 226
General Service Medal (1962-)
(decorations and awards) Made by: Royal Mint 1967
medal, ribbon and clasp (See) MODEL OMD 41
British War Medal (1914-1920)
(decorations and awards) Made by: Royal Mint
Possibly acquired as a replacement for one lost by Mr Peet
Victory Medal (1914-1919)
(decorations and awards) Made by: Royal Mint
Possibly acquired as a replacement for one lost by Mr Peet