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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Korean War began on 25 June 1950. Communist North Korean troops invaded South Korea and rapidly advanced southwards. The UN was quick to respond, encouraging its members to support South Korea. Many countries sent troops.
HMS Belfast played an active role in the Korean War from 1950-1952 working with other Allied forces to support the retreating American and South Korean troops.
The Royal Marine Band from HMS Belfast entertains troops ashore in Korea, September 1952.
In this photograph HMS Belfast approaches HMS Ocean prior to the transfer of Rear Admiral Scott-Moncrieff, Flag Officer, Second in Command, Far East Station from his flagship HMS Belfast to HMS Ocean to observe air operations against targets in NW Korea.
This photograph shows the transfer of South Korean Marines from HMS Belfast to a landing craft for the occupation of Sin Do, September 1951.
A South Korean naval craft coming alongside HMS Belfast during blockade patrols off Inchon.
Open daily 10am - 6pm
Closed 24, 25 and 26 December
Admission is free
Open daily 10am - 5pm
Last admission 4.30pm
Closed 24, 25 and 26 December
Admission is free
Open daily
Summer 10am - 6pm
Last admission 5pm
Winter 10am - 4pm
Last admission 3pm
Closed 24, 25 and 26 December
Open daily 9.30am - 6pm
Last admission 5pm
Closed 24, 25 and 26 December
Open daily 10am - 6pm
Last admission 5pm
Closed 24, 25 and 26 December
For event enquiries please contact us by telephone or email. Alternatively, complete the enquiry form and one of our team will be in touch to discuss your event requirements.
Telephone: 44 + (0) 20 3116 4457
Fax: 44 + (0) 20 7407 0708
hms.belfast@sodexo.com
For more information, you can also download our Events brochure.
For location filming please contact Nina Smetek, hmsbfilming@iwm.org.uk / 020 7416 5497.
