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 BRITISH ARMY ON LEAVE IN ITALY, JUNE 1944
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR COLOUR TRANSPARENCY COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: War Office official photographer
'A Day in Rome with Gunner Smith': Gunner Smith has a drink with a friend on one of the main streets of Rome.
THE BRITISH ARMY ON LEAVE IN ITALY, JUNE 1944
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR COLOUR TRANSPARENCY COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: War Office official photographer
'A Day in Rome with Gunner Smith': Gunner Smith quenching his thirst at a fountain in the Piazza Venezia. In the background is the Vittorio Emmanuel Memorial.
THE BRITISH ARMY ON LEAVE IN ITALY, JUNE 1944
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR COLOUR TRANSPARENCY COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: War Office official photographer
'A Day in Rome with Gunner Smith': Gunner Smith pausing beside one of the fountains in St Peter's Square to consult his guidebook with the help of a small Italian boy.
THE BRITISH ARMY ON LEAVE IN ITALY, JUNE 1944
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR COLOUR TRANSPARENCY COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: War Office official photographer
'A Day in Rome with Gunner Smith': Gunner Smith pausing beside one of the fountains in St Peter's Square to consult his guidebook with the help of a small Italian boy.
THE BRITISH ARMY ON LEAVE IN ITALY, JUNE 1944
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR COLOUR TRANSPARENCY COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: War Office official photographer
'A Day in Rome with Gunner Smith': Gunner Smith and a friend resting outside the Colosseum.
THE BRITISH ARMY ON LEAVE IN ITALY, JUNE 1944
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR COLOUR TRANSPARENCY COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: War Office official photographer
'A Day in Rome with Gunner Smith': Gunner Smith consults his guide book before starting his tour. In the background is a panoramic view of the city.
THE BRITISH ARMY ON LEAVE IN ITALY, JUNE 1944
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR COLOUR TRANSPARENCY COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: War Office official photographer
'A Day in Rome with Gunner Smith': Gunner Smith consults his guide book before starting his tour. In the background is a panoramic view of the city.
THE BRITISH ARMY ON LEAVE IN ITALY, JUNE 1944
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR COLOUR TRANSPARENCY COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: War Office official photographer
'A Day in Rome with Gunner Smith': Gunner Smith walking through the Porta Pia, which has been converted into a museum of the Bersaglieri.
THE BRITISH ARMY ON LEAVE IN ITALY, JUNE 1944
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR COLOUR TRANSPARENCY COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: War Office official photographer
'A Day in Rome with Gunner Smith': Gunner Smith outside the Colosseum, pauses with a friend to consult the guidebook.
THE BRITISH ARMY ON LEAVE IN ITALY, JUNE 1944
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR COLOUR TRANSPARENCY COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: War Office official photographer
'A Day in Rome with Gunner Smith': At the end of his tour Gunner Smith has a drink with a friend on one of the main streets of Rome.