Tuesday 10 March 2020

From 6 July to 27 September 2020, IWM will mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, retelling the extraordinary story of the Second World War aerial campaign during the summer of 1940.

Step Inside the Ops Block

WAAF telephone operators in the Sector 'G' Operations Room at RAF Duxford, receiving reports of enemy aircraft plots from Observer Corps posts, September 1940.

Step Inside the Ops Block

Opening Summer 2020

This brand new exhibition shines a light on Duxford’s key role in the Battle of Britain. Discover personal stories from the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, Allied pilots and Fighter Command who worked on site during the summer of 1940. Feel what it was like to be inside the Operations Room as you experience an audio-visual recreation of the day the battle reached its climax, 15 September 1940.

Free with general admission

Plan your visit to IWM Duxford

Battle of Britain Exhibition

Messerschmitt Bf 109 at Imperial War Museums Duxford

Battle of Britain Exhibition

Opening Summer 2020

Discover the full story of the Battle of Britain in this refreshed exhibition. Get a historical overview of what happened across Britain in the summer of 1940. Discover personal stories from ‘the Few’ and get up close to authentic Battle of Britain aircraft and objects.

Free with general admission

Plan your visit to IWM Duxford

Duxford Air Shows

80th Anniversary Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show

Duxford Air Shows

80th Anniversary Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show

19 and 20 September 2020
IWM Duxford
Mark the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain at the UK's commemorative Air Show. Tickets for Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September at IWM Duxford are selling fast and will sell out before the event. Book now for a day to remember.
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IWM Battle of Britain 80 logo
©IWM
Second World War, Battle of Britain

8 Things You Need To Know About The Battle Of Britain

Second World War, Battle of Britain

8 Things You Need To Know About The Battle Of Britain

The Battle of Britain was a major air campaign fought over southern England in the summer and autumn of 1940. Here are 8 things you need to know about one of Britain’s most important victories of the Second World War.
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Spitfire pilots pose beside the wreckage of a Junkers Ju 87 Stuka, 1940.
© IWM (CH 2064)

Discover More About the battle

The Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF): Aircraftwomen learning how to handle a barrage balloon at the training station at Cardington.
Battle of Britain
Support from the Ground in the Battle of Britain
Around 3,000 pilots fought in the Battle of Britain, but thousands of other people helped defend Britain in the summer of 1940.
Halifax B Mark VI, NP831, awaiting delivery at the bomber production line, Radlett, Hertfordshire.
© IWM (ATP 13205D)
Battle of Britain
9 Important Dates In The Battle Of Britain
The Battle of Britain was a decisive air campaign fought over southern England in the summer and autumn of 1940.  It was one of Britain’s most important victories of the Second World War.
Battle of Britain
7 Pilots Who Flew In The Battle of Britain
Learn more about some of the pilots who participated in the Battle of Britain in 1940. 
Second World War, Battle of Britain

The Polish Pilots Who Flew In The Battle Of Britain

Second World War, Battle of Britain

The Polish Pilots Who Flew In The Battle Of Britain

On 1 September 1939 the German Army, supported by the Air Force (Luftwaffe) and Navy (Kriegsmarine) invaded Poland from three sides. Polish defences, already strained under a powerful and innovative German assault, collapsed shortly after the Soviets launched their own invasion from the east on 17 September. 
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Pilot Officers Jan "Donald Duck" Zumbach (left) and Mirosław "Ox" Ferić playing with the Squadron's mascot
IWM CH 1537

Duxford and the Battle of Britain

Duxford
Voices of Duxford
Hear the powerful stories of the men and women who served at Duxford, from the Battle of Britain to the Cold War. 
Pilots of No. 19 and No. 616 Squadrons pose alongside a Spitfire at Duxford. Sitting on wing (left to right) are Brian Lane, George Unwin and Francis Brinsden (with Flash the Alsation and Rangy the Spaniel). Front row (left to right) are Bernard Jennings, Colin McFie, Howard Burton and Philip Leckman.
Duxford
13 Photos Of Duxford And Fowlmere During The Battle Of Britain
During the Battle of Britain, Duxford and Fowlmere had two main jobs - to protect the Midlands and help the fighters of 11 Group when needed. 11 Group was responsible for the south-east of England, including London, and bore the brunt of the fighting in the summer of 1940. Here are 13 photos that showcase life at Duxford and Fowlmere during the Battle of Britain. 
RAF Duxford and The Spitfire
Battle of Britain
The Fascinating Story Of Duxford And The Spitfire
Duxford and the Supermarine Spitfire have a shared history. RAF Duxford's No. 19 Squadron was the first RAF squadron to re-equip with the new Supermarine Spitfire, and the first Spitfire was flown into RAF Duxford in August 1938