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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badge, sealed pattern, warrant officer, class I
(uniforms and insignia)
date: 4-3-39 presumably refers to the date the pattern was originally sealed as the card was not manufactured until 1941 (see printer's code at base)
badge, standard pattern, 1st prize skill at driving (Horse)
(uniforms and insignia) 1912
card: reverse inscribed 355
badge, standard pattern, stretcher bearer, volunteers
(uniforms and insignia) 1895
card: reverse inscribed 393
badge, sealed pattern, warrant officer, class I
(uniforms and insignia)
label: reverse inscribed I Lewis Falk Letchworth 19/12/40
badge, sealed pattern, warrant officer, class I
(uniforms and insignia)
badge, label, seal badge: the Royal Arms embroidered on khaki background of same shape label: headed Clothing Inspection Division. Specification No. U/55A, Catalogue No. CB X0178 Pattern No. 10791; inscribed, Badges Arm:- Royal Arms (Worsted S.D);...
badge, sample pattern, warrant officer
(uniforms and insignia)
date: 4-3-39 presumably refers to the date the pattern was originally approved as the card was not manufactured until 1940 (see printer's code at base of card)
badge, working pattern, warrant officer
(uniforms and insignia)
card: reverse inscribed I of C Penfold St 8.2.52 followed by signature CA Ball
badge, sample pattern, warrant officer
(uniforms and insignia)
date: 4-3-39 presumably refers to the date the pattern was originally approved as the card was not manufactured until 1940 (see printer's code at base of card)
badge, sample pattern, warrant officer
(uniforms and insignia)
date: 4-3-39 presumably refers to the date the pattern was originally approved as the card was not manufactured until 1940 (see printer's code at base of card)
badge, sample pattern, warrant officer
(uniforms and insignia)
date: 4-3-39 presumably refers to the date the pattern was originally approved as the card was not manufactured until 1940 (see printer's code at base of card)