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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Cesena : Cooks of a Basuto Pioneer Company preparing the midday dinner on Christmas Day, 1944
(art) Made by: Bawden, Edward 1944-12-25
image: the cooks work around various stoves and fires under a wooden roof. Some are chopping wood with axes while others tend the pans and fires.
Cesena : the barrack-room of a Basuto Pioneer Company under winter conditions
(art) Made by: Bawden, Edward
image: a view along a narrow barrack room with a curved ceiling and high, patched windows. Groups of soldiers gather around two large stoves. Packs and rifles lie on the floor along the walls of the rooms.
Basuto Pioneers
(art) Made by: Bawden, Edward
image: A sketch of six Basuto Pioneers engaged in some form of physical labour.
Basuto Pioneers
(art) Made by: Bawden, Edward
image: A rough sketch of three Basuto Pioneers, two of whom are crouching over metal dishes, part of the equipment of a field kitchen.
Basuto Pioneers
(art) Made by: Bawden, Edward
image: A sketch of eight Basuto Pioneers wearing winter clothing over their uniform. One of the men sits but the rest stand amongst boxes and the equipment of a field kitchen.
Basuto Pioneers
(art) Made by: Bawden, Edward
image: A sketch of six Basuto Pioneers inside a barn sitting and standing around the equipment of a field kitchen.
Basuto Pioneers
(art) Made by: Bawden, Edward
image: A sketch of several Basuto Pioneers wearing winter clothing over their uniform. They stand and sit amongst boxes and the equipment of a field kitchen.
Basuto Pioneers
(art) Made by: Bawden, Edward
image: A sketch of six Basuto Pioneers sitting in a group, one of whom is drinking from a mug. This ink sketch is done over the top of a light pencil sketch showing figures standing in the interior of a large building.
Basuto Pioneers
(art) Made by: Bawden, Edward
image: A sketch of nine Basuto Pioneers in various poses.
Basuto Pioneers
(art) Made by: Bawden, Edward
image: A sketch of four Basuto Pioneers sitting side by side with their backs to the artist.