Discover the Battle of Britain story at IWM Duxford

The Battle of Britain took place from 10 July - 31 October 1940. Duxford was a Sector Station during the Battle of Britain which meant it was responsible for directing squadrons into battle.

It was also home to the ‘Big Wing’ led by Squadron Leader Douglas Bader.

Discover the personal stories of those who served at RAF Duxford, learn about the RAF's aerial defence network, get up close to a Spitfire, Hurricane and crash-landed Messerschmitt, in our brand new Ops Block exhibition and refreshed Battle of Britain hangar.

 

 

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Learn about the Second World War aerial campaign in the place where Battle of Britain history was made.


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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)

Observer Corps thumbnail
Second World War
How did the Observer Corps help win the Battle of Britain?
Just under 3,000 RAF aircrew risked their lives to face the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain, yet on the ground, around 30,000 volunteers formed a highly-trained network of aircraft observers working around the clock to support the men in the air.
Supermarine Spitfire Mk I of No. 19 Squadron at Fowlmere in Cambridgeshire, 21 September 1940.
© IWM (CH 1447)
Second World War
9 Iconic Aircraft From The Battle Of Britain
Learn about the RAF Fighter Command’s aircraft during the Battle of Britain from the Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane, to the Bf 109 (named the best fighter in the world), the 'Flying Pencil' and the infamous ‘Stuka’.
Air Chief Marshall Sir Hugh Dowding and a Hawker Hurricane super imposed onto the Filter Room table at Bentley Priory with the words "How Dowding Won"
Second World War
How Hugh Dowding and the RAF won the Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain is often defined by images of Spitfires and Messerschmitts duelling in the skies. But what if the deciding factor in this fight for air supremacy was actually based on the ground? IWM Duxford Curator Craig Murray takes a look at the Dowding System and explains how it turned the battle decisively in Britain's favour.

STORIES ANYTIME, ANYWHERE

Make the most of your visit to IWM Duxford with Bloomberg Connects. Download our digital guide to explore our new Battle of Britain exhibition and the Ops Block, uncovering more stories and photographs about the people and objects featured.

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Inspired by the Few
Mark Battle of Britain 80 with these commemorative gifts, from our exclusive t-shirt and mug, to fashion, films and homeware.
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Duxford and the Battle of Britain

IWM 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.
Squadron Leader Howard ‘Billy’ Burton (front row, second from right) © IWM CH 1400
IWM 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
More Battle of Britain stories

'Never was so much owed by so many to so few'

'Never was so much owed by so many to so few'

Hear the words Winston Churchill spoke in 1940 again in this 80th anniversary commemorative video. 

Participants included RAF Duxford Veteran, Stan Dell, Flight Lieutenant Genevieve Rolleston-Smith, Artur Bildziuk of the Polish Airmen’s Association, Stephen Fry, Dan Snow, Samira Ahmed and James Holland.