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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ATS DOMESTIC SCIENCE COURSE IN NOTTING HILL GATE, LONDON, 1944
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division official photographer
Muriel Bartlett (aged 24) prepares a joint for roasting as part of an ATS Domestic Science course held in the Domestic Science quarters of the LCC Avondale Park School, Notting Hill Gate, London in 1944. Two more students can be seen behind Muriel.
DEMOBILISATION OF BRITISH ARMY PERSONNEL IN 1945
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division official photographer
Sign over the main entrance of No 4 Military Dispersal Unit, Regent's Park Barracks, London.
DEMOBILISING MEMBERS OF THE WOMEN'S ROYAL AIR FORCE
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division official photographer
Members of the Women's Royal Air Force (WAAF) newly arrived at the WAAF Demobilisation Centre at RAF Wythall check in their baggage before proceeding with the demobilisation process.
ROYAL AIR FORCE EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING SCHEME
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
As part of demobilisation training under the Educational and Vocational Training Scheme, Royal Air Force personnel undergo resettlement training, including citizenship classes. Here members of the Women's Royal Air Force (WAAF) visit a children's day...
DEMOBILIZATION OF BRITAIN'S ARMED FORCES: WRENS PREPARE FOR CIVILIAN LIFE
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
Alongside the various educational and vocational courses on offer to service personnel, a number of classes in the arts were also available. Here WRENs build and paint the set for a show at the 'Three Arts Club' of a southern naval port.
DEMOBILISING MEMBERS OF THE WOMEN'S ROYAL AIR FORCE
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
Leading Aircraftwoman Vera Blackbee of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) is interviewed by a welfare officer at the WAAF Demobilisation Centre, RAF Wythall.
DEMOBILISING MEMBERS OF THE WOMEN'S ROYAL AIR FORCE
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
Leading Aircraftwoman Vera Blackbee of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) collects more official documents having signed on with a representative of the Ministry of Labour at the WAAF Demobilisation Centre, RAF Wythall.
DEMOBILISING MEMBERS OF THE WOMEN'S ROYAL AIR FORCE
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
Members of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) collect their pay during the demobilisation process at the WAAF Demobilisation Centre, RAF Wythall.
DEMOBILISING MEMBERS OF THE WOMEN'S ROYAL AIR FORCE
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
Members of the Women's Royal Air Force (WAAF) newly arrived at the WAAF Demobilisation Centre, RAF Wythall, are handed guidance booklets explaining the demobilisation process.
DEMOBILISING MEMBERS OF THE WOMEN'S ROYAL AIR FORCE
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
Vera Blackbee poses for the camera with her military and civilian hats after her demobilisation from the Women's Auxiliary Air Force.