1940: The Strategic Situation

In Spring 1940, German forces had swept across most of western Europe so rapidly that by the end of June resistance had ceased. Only Britain stood in the way of Germany's complete domination of the continent.

German High Command at Cap Gris Nez, looking towards Britain's coast (HU1185)

Adolf Hitler, the German leader, expected Britain to capitulate. However, the British, led by Winston Churchill, who had become Prime Minister on 10 May, had already resolved to fight on. Churchill himself defined the way ahead when he told the House of Commons on 18 June, "the Battle of France is over. I expect the battle of Britain is about to begin".

After the fall of France on 22 June, the British thought that invasion appeared to be an immediate threat. The situation was now extremely grave. The occupation by German forces of the whole of the European seaboard facing Britain threatened an even greater weight of air attack than had previously been feared.

However, Hitler did not decide until 16 July to proceed with an invasion. There was one unavoidable task to carry out before such an operation could succeed. The Luftwaffe had to win control of the skies over southern England long enough for German naval and land forces to make landings on the south coast. This aim would be achieved by destroying the RAF's fighter force. Without supporting air cover, the Royal Navy would have been neutralised, unable to oppose invasion forces in the face of overwhelming air attack.