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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ITALIAN PRISONERS OF WAR IN THE WESTERN DESERT, JANUARY 1941
part of "WAR OFFICE SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Keating G (Capt)
Italian soldiers surrendering to an Australian infantryman during the attack on Bardia, Libya.
STALAG LUFT 1 PRISONER OF WAR CAMP, BARTH, GERMANY DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR
part of "ELDER DOUGLAS (SERGEANT)" (photographs) Made by: German official photographer
General view of the camp.
THE ROYAL NAVY DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR
part of "ADMIRALTY OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Royal Navy official photographer
German navy prisoners, blindfolded, stand by the dockside whilst being given instructions by Royal Navy intelligence officer.
ITALIAN PRISONERS OF WAR IN BRITAIN DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division official photographer
Italian prisoners of war attend a church service in a prisoner of war camp in Britain.
ACTIVITIES AT THE ROYAL AIR FORCE RESETTLEMENT CENTRE, SCARBOROUGH
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
Warrant Officer Viles, one of the repatriated prisoners of war at No 1 Resettlement Centre worked part-time for a carpet fitting company in Scarborough to prepare him to take up his pre-war occupation in Leeds.
ACTIVITIES AT THE ROYAL AIR FORCE RESETTLEMENT CENTRE, SCARBOROUGH
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
Three of the repatriated prisoners of war at No 1 Resettlement Centre visit Scarborough Castle. Afternoons were free and those men not wanting to take part in sports were able to visit the town, harbour and local places of interest.
ACTIVITIES AT THE ROYAL AIR FORCE RESETTLEMENT CENTRE, SCARBOROUGH
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
The Belvedere Club, run by the Women's Voluntary Service (WVS), for all ranks at No 1 Resettlement Centre, Scarborough.
ACTIVITIES AT THE ROYAL AIR FORCE RESETTLEMENT CENTRE, SCARBOROUGH
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
Although not compulsory, many of the repatriated prisoners of war at No 1 Resettlement Centre, Scarborough, found the well equipped gymnasium a useful asset.
ACTIVITIES AT THE ROYAL AIR FORCE RESETTLEMENT CENTRE, SCARBOROUGH
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
Although not compulsory, many of the repatriated prisoners of war at No 1 Resettlement Centre, Scarborough, found the well equipped gymnasium a useful asset.
ACTIVITIES AT THE ROYAL AIR FORCE RESETTLEMENT CENTRE, SCARBOROUGH
part of "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION" (photographs) Made by: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
Dancing was always popular with the repatriated prisoners of war at No 1 Resettlement Centre, Scarborough. At dances the former prisoners, staff and friends all mixed to create a very natural social situation.