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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INVASION VILLAGE: EVERYDAY LIFE IN ORFORD, SUFFOLK, ENGLAND, 1941
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
A group of Home Guard sit in the local village pub in Orford and enjoy a pint of beer and a chat. Many of the these men served during the First World War. Second from the left is Lieutenant Oliver, the local estate manager and Commander of the Home...
BRITISH WORKERS GUARD THEIR WORK: THE HOME GUARD, ENGLAND, 1941
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
A group of Home Guard are trained in the use of a Northover Projector near the factory at which they work, somewhere in England, 1941.
BRITISH WORKERS GUARD THEIR WORK: THE HOME GUARD, ENGLAND, 1941
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
Men of a factory Home Guard charge across a field towards the camera, bayonets fixed, as part of a training exercise, somewhere in England, 1941.
SPRINGFIELD IN WARTIME: EVERYDAY LIFE IN AN ESSEX VILLAGE, AUGUST 1941
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
Men of the Springfield Home Guard take part in a bayonet charge across sunny parkland during a training exercise.
SPRINGFIELD IN WARTIME: EVERYDAY LIFE IN AN ESSEX VILLAGE, AUGUST 1941
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
Men of the Springfield Home Guard in Essex stand at ease during a parade drill outside All Saints Church. They all have rifles with bayonets fixed.
HOLY ISLAND PLAYS ITS PART: EVERYDAY LIFE ON LINDISFARNE, 1942
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
Members of the Lindisfarne Home Guard march out along the beach on their way to a training session. In the background, the imposing sight of Lindisfarne Castle dominates the skyline. Small rowing and fishing boats can be seen on the water.
THE BRITISH ARMY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM 1939-1945
part of "WAR OFFICE SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: War Office official photographer
A Home Guard detachment patrolling along cliff paths near Dover or Folkestone, March 1941.