The three months in 1940 that decided the fate of Europe
This week in Live, Learn, History: The Battle of Britain
At Duckwyn, we believe that travel is the best way to learn about and explore history.
Each week we’ll look at a moment or time in history that changed the world. We’ll learn about some of the heroes that played a role in the events and we’ll recommend place for you and your family to explore to learn more.
A nation fights for survival
The Battle of Britain began 84 years ago this week when Germany launched a major air attack on the United Kingdom. It was the first major battle fought entirely by two air forces and it would last until October 31, 1940.
There were many significant events during World War II but the Battle of Britain may have been the most important. Had the German Luftwaffe gained aerial superiority over Britain, the Allies may have never recovered.
Britain would have been forced to surrender, or worse, faced an amphibious assault that would have been difficult to defeat.
Originally out-manned and out-gunned, Winston Churchill willed the country to fight with everything it had. The brave men of the Royal Air Force (RAF) tried their best to hold off the Germans long enough for the country to expand its fighter output and improve its radar technology.
The Germans attacked relentlessly, changing their focus from RAF airfields in August to major cities in September and October. London, Coventry, Birmingham, and others received widespread destruction and thousands of lives were lost.
German bombers used incendiary bombs to start fires making it difficult for firefighter and ambulances to respond to areas that were most devastated. The British citizens paid a heavy price by confronting nightly bombing raids that never seemed to end.
Germany wanted to break the British morale and force a surrender and they gave them everything they had night after night.
“The gratitude of every home in our island, in our Empire, and indeed throughout the world, except in the abodes of the guilty, goes out to the British airmen who, undaunted by odds, unwearied in their constant challenge and mortal danger, are turning the tide of the world war by their prowess and by their devotion. Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”
Winston Churchill, August 20, 1940
Remembering the heroes
Lord Beaverbrook
At the beginning of World War II, Britain was far behind Germany in terms of airplane production. Winston Churchill recognized this and appointed Lord Beaverbrook (William Maxwell Aitken) as the Minister of Aircraft Production.
Lord Beaverbrook proved to be the best person for this job. He was willing to do whatever it took to increase aircraft production which was vital to ensuring the RAF could respond to the German attacks. He had to make many difficult decisions, often taking resources from other parts of the military to ensure England had the aircraft it needed to repel the daily attacks.
His efforts and leadership contributed significantly to Britain’s ability to defend itself and prevent Germany from gaining the air superiority it needed to launch a land assault.
Mary Churchill
Winston Churchill’s daughter, Mary Churchill, at the age of 18, joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), the women's branch of the British Army to help defend her country.
As Winston Churchill’s daughter, she could have avoid putting herself in such danger but she wanted to do what she could to protect her country.
When German bombers were spotted near London, she was actively involved in responding to the assault by operating anti-aircraft guns.
Mary rose to the rank of Junior Commander by demonstrating her leadership and capabilities during these attacks.
Joan Hughes
Joan Hughes was one of the youngest women to qualify as pilot with the Air Transport Auxiliary.
She would ferry aircraft from the factories to the frontlines. Without her efforts and those of many other women, the RAF fighter pilots wouldn’t have had the crucial planes they needed to keep up Britains air defenses.
Douglas Bader
Douglas Bader was a legendary World War II pilot. He joined the RAF in 1939 and played a significant role in defending Britain during the Battle of Britain.
He served as a squadron leader of the 242 Squadron.
Bader was officially credited with shooting down 22 enemy aircraft during the war, making him one of the top aces in the RAF.
All of his credentials are made even more impressive by the fact that in 1931, he was involved in flying accident that resulted in him losing both of his legs. Despite this, he joined the RAF, defending his country until he was shot down in August 1941.
Bader was captured in France and spent time in German POW camps. He survived the war and would go on to be knighted in 1976 for his services and achievements.
As one battle ends, a new fight begins
There were several points that shifted the battle in favor of the British.
By the end of October 1940, it was clear that Germany would not gain the air superiority it needed for a ground attack before winter. Operation Sea Lion, an amphibious assault on Britain, would have to wait.
This gave the British the valuable time they needed to build up their defenses and change the momentum of the war.
Germany, despite its best efforts, was unable to break the British morale.
An increase in fighter production and advances in radar technology allowed the RAF to maintain its operational strength and hold off its enemy. Its citizens endured the horrors of the nightly bombings and remained strong and resilient.
The extended duration of the battle and the attrition it caused the Luftwaffe began to take its toll. Germany had expected to defeat Britain in a matter of days. They were use to winning quick battles and were not prepared to expend so many resources and so much time.
A shift in tactics, poor strategies, and the opening of a second front against Russia changed the balance.
The Battle of Britain became the first major defeat for Nazi Germany
If Britain had fallen, it would have been nearly impossible for the Allies to win the war.
England provided the launching ground necessary to lead an Allied amphibious attack. Without a strategic location close to Europe to stock supplies and build up its forces, this couldn’t have happened.
It was the brave men and women of Britain that provided the determination and inspiration the world needed to defeat Nazi Germany.
Three years later, D-Day would begin the Allied invasion of Normandy leading to the eventual liberation of Europe.
Nazi Germany was defeated on May 8, 1945.
Live the experience
If you’re interested in learning more about the Battle of Britain, there are several places that you should visit.
Of the recommendations, my son and I visited the Churchill War Museum. He was 9 years old at the time and we both enjoyed the museum. Admittedly, we’re both huge fans of WWII history but the museum is very well done.
The others, we haven’t been to yet, but are on our list of places to go next time we visit the UK.
Churchill War Museum
Location: King Charles Street, London
Description: The Churchill War Rooms provide an insight into the underground nerve center where Winston Churchill and his staff directed the British war effort. The museum offers exhibits on Churchill's role and the broader context of the Battle of Britain.
Website: Churchill War Rooms
Duckwyn App: Churchill War Rooms
The Battle of Britain Bunker
Location: Uxbridge, London
Description: The bunker served as the underground operations room for RAF Fighter Command's No. 11 Group during the Battle of Britain. It played a crucial role in directing fighter operations. The site includes a museum with exhibits on the battle and the operations conducted from the bunker.
Website: Battle of Britain Bunker
The Royal Air Force Museum
Location: Grahame Park Way, London
Description: The RAF Museum in Hendon houses a vast collection of aircraft and exhibits related to the RAF's history. It includes displays specifically about the Battle of Britain, with original aircraft such as the Spitfire and Hurricane.
Website: RAF Museum
Kent Battle of Britain Museum
Location: Aerodrome Road, Hawkinge, Kent
Description: Located on the site of a former RAF airfield, this museum offers a rich collection of artifacts, aircraft, and memorabilia from the Battle of Britain. It provides insight into the experiences of the pilots and ground crews.
Website: Kent Battle of Britain Museum
Tangmere Military Aviation Museum
Location: Tangmere, Chichester, West Sussex
Description: This museum is located at the site of a former RAF station that was active during the Battle of Britain. It features aircraft, artifacts, and displays that highlight the history of the airfield and its role in the battle.
Website: Tangmere Military Aviation Museum
The National Memorial to the Few
Location: Capel-le-Ferne, Kent
Description: This memorial is dedicated to the pilots and aircrew who fought in the Battle of Britain. It offers a visitor center with exhibits, a memorial wall, and a statue of a seated pilot, overlooking the English Channel.
Website: Battle of Britain Memorial
Duxford Air Museum
Location: Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Description: Part of the Imperial War Museums, Duxford is a historic airfield and museum with extensive collections of aircraft and exhibits on aviation history, including the Battle of Britain. It often hosts air shows and events.
Website: IWM Duxford
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