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 Leader of Leaders
(posters) Made by: Unknown (artist)
whole: the image occupies the upper three-quarters, set within a gilt frame design. The text occupies the lower third, held within a scroll design. image: a three-quarter length portrait of David Lloyd-George, facing the viewer and delivering a speech...
A Head to Contrive
(posters) Made by: Unknown (artist)
whole: the image occupies the upper three-quarters, set within a gilt frame design. The text is positioned in the lower third, held within a scroll design. image: a three-quarter portrait of a British politician in formal dress. He stands facing the...
He Rightly Lives
(posters) Made by: Unknown (artist)
whole: the image occupies the upper three-quarters, set within a gilt frame design. The text is positioned in the lower third, held within a scroll design. image: a full-length portrait of Admiral Lord Nelson standing against a dark landscape. text: A.S....
A Leader Sage
(posters) Made by: Unknown (artist)
whole: the image occupies the upper three-quarters, set within a gilt frame design. The text occupies the lower third, held within a scroll design. image: a full-length portrait of President Woodrow Wilson, who strides towards the viewer raising his top...
Buy National War Bonds Now
(posters) Made by: Unknown (artist) 1918
whole: the title is arranged diagonally from top left to bottom right. The text is in white, set against a dark blue background. image: text only. text: Buy National War Bonds Now A.C.94.
To My People
(posters) Made by: Unknown
whole: the title and text occupy the whole, in red and in black. All set against a white background. image: text only. text: BUCKINGHAM PALACE. TO MY PEOPLE. At this grave moment in the struggle between my people and a highly organised enemy who has...
Your King and Country Need You
(posters) Made by: Unknown
whole: the title, beneath the Royal Charter, is positioned across the top, with the text below occupying the remainder, both in blue. All set against a white background. image: text only. text: G.R. [Royal Charter] YOUR KING AND COUNTRY NEED YOU EVERY...
What are you Doing for the Empire?
(posters) Made by: Unknown (artist)
whole: the title and text occupy the whole, in white cursive script, set against a red background. image: text only. text: 'What are you doing for the Empire?' Now's the time to show what you can do! Join the Army today ISSUED BY THE PUBLICITY DEPARTMENT...
German Cruelty to British Prisoners
(posters) Made by: Unknown (artist) 1915-06
whole: the title is placed across the top in red set, with the text, comprising of two quotes, set over the remainder in red and dark brown. A subtitle is situated a the foot of the design, in dark brown. All are set against a plain white background and...
Your King and Country Need You - A Chip of the Old Block
(posters) Made by: Wood, Lawson (artist) 1914
whole: the image occupies the main, with a subtitle integrated and located at the foot of the image. The main title is positioned separately across the top, with further text along the bottom, both in white. All are set against a bright red background....