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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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 RESETTLEMENT TRAINING, EDMONTON, LONDON, 1945
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR COLOUR TRANSPARENCY COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information official photographer
A class of Women's Royal Air Force personnel studying child welfare, visits a clinic and day nursery run by the Edmonton Local Authority. Examining clothing for babies and small children.
ROYAL AIR FORCE RESETTLEMENT TRAINING, EDMONTON, LONDON, 1945
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR COLOUR TRANSPARENCY COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information official photographer
A class of Women's Royal Air Force personnel studying child welfare, visits a clinic and day nursery run by the Edmonton Local Authority. Examining baby feeding options.
ROYAL AIR FORCE RESETTLEMENT TRAINING, EDMONTON, LONDON, 1945
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR COLOUR TRANSPARENCY COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information official photographer
A class of Women's Royal Air Force personnel studying child welfare, visits a clinic and day nursery run by the Edmonton Local Authority. Learning about caring for babies.
ROYAL AIR FORCE RESETTLEMENT TRAINING AT MANCHESTER CENTRAL LIBRARY, 1945
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR COLOUR TRANSPARENCY COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information official photographer
Personnel of the Royal Air Force and the Women's Royal Air Force taking part in a course at Manchester Central Library to train as instructors for the proposed post-war Royal Air Force Education and Vocation Training School.
ROYAL AIR FORCE RESETTLEMENT TRAINING, EDMONTON, LONDON, 1945
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR COLOUR TRANSPARENCY COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information official photographer
A class of Women's Royal Air Force personnel studying child welfare, visits a clinic and day nursery run by the Edmonton Local Authority. An art class in progress.
ROYAL AIR FORCE RESETTLEMENT TRAINING, 1945
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR COLOUR TRANSPARENCY COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information official photographer
An officer of the Women's Royal Air Force giving a demonstration lecture on central and local government organisation to her fellow trainees.
ROYAL AIR FORCE RESETTLEMENT TRAINING, 1945
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR COLOUR TRANSPARENCY COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information official photographer
Personnel of the Royal Air Force and the Women's Royal Air Force taking part in a course on responsible citizenship.
ROYAL AIR FORCE RESETTLEMENT TRAINING AT MANCHESTER CENTRAL LIBRARY, 1945
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR COLOUR TRANSPARENCY COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information official photographer
A mathematics group receiving instruction from the Education Officer.
ROYAL AIR FORCE RESETTLEMENT TRAINING, EDMONTON, LONDON, 1945
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR COLOUR TRANSPARENCY COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information official photographer
A class of Women's Royal Air Force personnel studying child welfare, visits a clinic and day nursery run by the Edmonton Local Authority. Learning about caring for babies.