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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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A SHOP STEWARD: FACTORY WORK IN BRITAIN, 1942
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
Richard Sainsbury has tea with his wife and two children, Elaine (6) and David (7). He is dressed in his Home Guard uniform and will be out on duty as soon as he has finished eating.
WAR FAIR: HOLIDAYS AT HOME AT A FETE IN RUSSELL SQUARE, LONDON, 1943
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
Members of the Home Guard challenge a smiling young woman and two children to a 'horse race' at the Russell Square fete. The children were given a half the distance of the course as a head start. Members of the public crowd around them to watch the...
THE BRITISH ARMY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM 1939-45
part of "WAR OFFICE SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: War Office official photographer
An infantry section marching along the pavement of a South Wales town, during an exercise involving Home Guard and regular forces, 20 October 1941.
THE HOME GUARD 1939-45
part of "WAR OFFICE SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: War Office official photographer
Home Guard soldiers on motorcycle sidecar combinations fitted with Lewis guns during an exercise near Exeter, 10 August 1941.
THE BRITISH HOME FRONT DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR.
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division photographers
Images in this album include: a portrait of Miss Lena Chivers, series entitled Belgian Independence Day Tea Party at Famous London Store Roof Gardens, July 21 1942, which includes photos of Belgian ambassador (Baron de Cartier de Marchienne) and...
THE BRITISH HOME FRONT DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR.
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division photographers
Images in this album include: a sequence about an American Hospital in Britain Park Prewett Hospital in Basingstoke (includes exterior shot, preparing for surgery, X-ray, meal times, ward rounds), 'British War Relief of the US sends Clothing to Britain...