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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EX-POSTMAN DELIVERS THE GUNS: MERCHANT NAVY TRAINING IN BRITAIN, 1942
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
In the gymnasium of the Royal Navy Training Establishment for Merchant Seamen, William Charles Piper and his new ship mates learn about knots. The instructor is visible on the right of the photograph and Piper can be seen, fourth from the end of the row...
EX-POSTMAN DELIVERS THE GUNS: MERCHANT NAVY TRAINING IN BRITAIN, 1942
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
The first lesson for these prospective Merchant Seamen is to learn what is meant by bow, stern, port and starboard. An instructor points out the various parts of the ship on a model. William Charles Piper can be seen standing at the bow end of the...
EX-POSTMAN DELIVERS THE GUNS: MERCHANT NAVY TRAINING IN BRITAIN, 1942
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
New arrivals to the Royal Navy Training Establishment line up for an inspection upon reporting for duty. The men are kitted up on their way to the school. This photograph was almost certainly taken at HMS GORDON at Gravesend in Kent.
EX-POSTMAN DELIVERS THE GUNS: MERCHANT NAVY TRAINING IN BRITAIN, 1942
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
A new contingent arrives at the Royal Navy Training Establishment for Merchant Seamen, carrying their kit bags with them. William Charles Piper can be seen in the centre of the photograph, directly under the 'V' on the wall. These new recruits are...
EX-POSTMAN DELIVERS THE GUNS: MERCHANT NAVY TRAINING IN BRITAIN, 1942
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
For the first time during his training at the Royal Navy Training Establishment for Merchant Seamen, William Charles Piper takes the wheel on his own. The Chief Petty Officer watches his progress. This photograph was almost certainly taken at HMS...
EX-POSTMAN DELIVERS THE GUNS: MERCHANT NAVY TRAINING IN BRITAIN, 1942
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
William Charles Piper learns to throw a heaving line as part of his training at the Royal Navy Training Establishment for Merchant Seamen. This photograph was almost certainly taken at HMS GORDON at Gravesend in Kent.
EX-POSTMAN DELIVERS THE GUNS: MERCHANT NAVY TRAINING IN BRITAIN, 1942
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
In the gymnasium of the Royal Navy Training Establishment for Merchant Seamen, William Charles Piper and his new ship mates learn about rope splicing. Here, Piper has a point explained to him by the instructor. This photograph was almost certainly...
EX-POSTMAN DELIVERS THE GUNS: MERCHANT NAVY TRAINING IN BRITAIN, 1942
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
In the Seamanship Room at the Royal Naval Training Establishment for Merchant Seamen, William Charles Piper has his first lesson at the compass and helm, the instructor by his side. A large seascape has been hung on the wall to make the lesson more...
EX-POSTMAN DELIVERS THE GUNS: MERCHANT NAVY TRAINING IN BRITAIN, 1942
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
William Charles Piper and his ship mates pull hard on the oars during a rowing lesson as part of their training at the Royal Navy Training Establishment for Merchant Seamen. This photograph was almost certainly taken at HMS GORDON at Gravesend in Kent.
LONDON MERCHANT SEAMEN'S HOME AND RED ENSIGN CLUB, 1942
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
George Lappin (third from left, reading a magazine) and fellow merchant seamen relax in the Modern Lounge of the Merchant Seamen's Home and Red Ensign Club. The Lounge is equipped with a cafe bar, which can be seen in the background, a canteen worker...