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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BRITAIN PREPARES FOR WAR
part of "WAR OFFICE INTERWAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: British Army photographer
Prospective recruits to the Militia undergoing their initial medical inspection.
BRITAIN PREPARES FOR WAR
part of "WAR OFFICE INTERWAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: British Army photographer
A prospective recruit to the Militia undergoing his initial medical inspection.
BRITAIN PREPARES FOR WAR
part of "WAR OFFICE INTERWAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: British Army photographer
A prospective recruit to the Militia gives details to a member of the Medical Board prior to his initial medical inspection.
BRITAIN PREPARES FOR WAR
part of "WAR OFFICE INTERWAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: British Army photographer
Prospective recruits to the Militia awaiting a foot inspection during their initial medical board.
BRITAIN PREPARES FOR WAR
part of "WAR OFFICE INTERWAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: British Army photographer
A prospective recruit to the Militia is interviewed by a member of the Medical Board.
BRITAIN PREPARES FOR WAR
part of "WAR OFFICE INTERWAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: British Army photographer
Prospective recruits to the Militia are welcomed by a member of the Medical Board.
BRITAIN PREPARES FOR WAR
part of "WAR OFFICE INTERWAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: British Army photographer
A new recruit to the Militia having just been issued with his kit.
BRITAIN PREPARES FOR WAR
part of "WAR OFFICE INTERWAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: British Army photographer
New recruits to the Militia try on their uniforms for the first time.
BRITAIN PREPARES FOR WAR
part of "WAR OFFICE INTERWAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: British Army photographer
New recruits to the Militia try on their uniforms for the first time.
BRITAIN PREPARES FOR WAR
part of "WAR OFFICE INTERWAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: British Army photographer
Leslie Hore-Belisha MP, Secretary of State for War, makes a speech to new recruits of the Militia.