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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BRITISH PRISONERS OF WAR IN STALAG XXA (20A) IN TORUŃ (THORN), 1940-1945
part of "THE STALAG XXA COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Gąsior, Mariusz 2011-12-12
From top to bottom. Large inscription 'Scotland For Ever'. Second personal inscription made by Corporal James MacDonald, HQ Company, 1st Battalion, the Gordon Highlanders, Army service number 2873448, POW number 36495. Caption reads: 'Cpl james...
BRITISH PRISONERS OF WAR IN STALAG XXA (20A) IN TORUŃ (THORN), 1940-1945
part of "THE STALAG XXA COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Gąsior, Mariusz 2011-12-12
Second personal inscription made by Corporal H. Robinson of the 8th Battalion, the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders; Army service number 2981572, POW number 41357. Caption is incomplete and reads: '2981572 Cpl Robinson H.; D Company (?); 8th (the...
BRITISH PRISONERS OF WAR IN STALAG XXA (20A) IN TORUŃ (THORN), 1940-1945
part of "THE STALAG XXA COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Gąsior, Mariusz 2011-12-12
From top to bottom. Probably third personal inscription made by Private Bernard Smith of the 4th battalion, the Seaforth Highlanders, Army service number 2821554, POW number 20886.. Caption reads: 'Pte ... Smith; 4th ...forth; ... July 1st 1941;...
BRITISH PRISONERS OF WAR IN STALAG XXA (20A) IN TORUŃ (THORN), 1940-1945
part of "THE STALAG XXA COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Gąsior, Mariusz 2011-12-12
From top to bottom. Personal inscription made by Sergeant Chambers from 2nd Royal (?). It could refer to Sergeant L. E. Chambers of the Royal Signals, Army service number 2315367, POW number 20262. He was imprisoned in Stalag XXB in Malbork (Marienburg...
BRITISH PRISONERS OF WAR IN STALAG XXA (20A) IN TORUŃ (THORN), 1940-1945
part of "THE STALAG XXA COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Gąsior, Mariusz 2011-12-12
Close up of a half erased inscription reading: 'Forget... British'. Fort XI of Stalag XXA (20A) in Toruń (Thorn).
BRITISH PRISONERS OF WAR IN STALAG XXA (20A) IN TORUŃ (THORN), 1940-1945
part of "THE STALAG XXA COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Gąsior, Mariusz 2011-12-12
from top to bottom. Large inscription 'Scotland For Ever'. Second personal inscription made by Corporal James MacDonald, HQ Company, 1st Battalion, the Gordon Highlanders, Army service number 2873448, POW number 36495. Caption reads: 'Cpl James...
BRITISH PRISONERS OF WAR IN STALAG XXA (20A) IN TORUŃ (THORN), 1940-1945
part of "THE STALAG XXA COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Gąsior, Mariusz 2011-12-12
Photograph of another wall covered with drawings and inscriptions. Inscription 'Scotland For Ever' on the top of the wall dominates the picture. Fort XI of Stalag XXA (20A) in Toruń (Thorn).
BRITISH PRISONERS OF WAR IN STALAG XXA (20A) IN TORUŃ (THORN), 1940-1945
part of "THE STALAG XXA COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Gąsior, Mariusz 2011-12-12
Inscription in German reading: 'Voboedten' It probably means 'verboten' - fobidden. Inscription reading: 'England Will ...' Partly erased drawing of the Union Jack. Fort XI of Stalag XXA (20A) in Toruń (Thorn).
BRITISH PRISONERS OF WAR IN STALAG XXA (20A) IN TORUŃ (THORN), 1940-1945
part of "THE STALAG XXA COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Gąsior, Mariusz 2011-12-12
Very long inscription/poem, badly erased: '... unknown... to go to Valhalla; ...but old... ...let history rate our valour ... far better left unpaid.' Another phrase of above poem, completely unreadable. Drawing of the English flag - St George Cross...