Battle of Britain - Causes and Key Events

The Battle of Britain was a major aerial campaign fought between Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF) and Germany’s Luftwaffe over the skies of southern England during the Second World War in 1940. Britain's victory prevented Germany from gaining air superiority and launching its planned invasion, marking a significant turning point in the war.

In 1940, during World War II, an aerial campaign was fought over the skies of Southern England between the German Luftwaffe and Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF). It is commonly known as the Battle of Britain.

Why did the Battle of Britain happen?

Starting on 10 July 1940, the Battle of Britain lasted for just over three months before coming to an end on 31 October 1940. The major air campaign followed just after the Fall of France in May 1940, when Germany invaded the country. Eventually leading to France’s surrender.

What was Operation Sea Lion?

After the defeat of France, the German dictator, Adolf Hitler, believed Britain would seek a peace settlement. When Britain rejected Hitler’s offer, the planning of Operation Sea Lion – the German codename for their proposed invasion of Britain – began.

Hitler planned an immediate invasion of Britain, with the aim of preventing British troops from recovering after their involvement in the Battle of France.

German forces pulled together a large invasion fleet based at various ports along the English Channel and North Sea coasts, including barges and merchant ships. However, before any seaborne invasion could take place, the German forces needed to first eliminate the RAF. This would give them superiority over the English Channel, without the risk of British fighter planes destroying the invasion fleet.

What was the Luftwaffe's role?

The German Air Force, more commonly known as the Luftwaffe, launched a campaign in August 1940 to destroy the RAF. On 12 August, they began their attacks, starting with RAF airfields in the South-East, and radar installations in Kent, Sussex and on the Isle of Wight.

Who fought in the Battle of Britain?

The Battle of Britain was fought between the RAF and Germany's Luftwaffe. RAF pilots, famously known as 'The Few', included airmen from Britain, the Commonwealth and occupied European countries. Among them was the Polish 303 Squadron, which became one of the RAF's highest-scoring fighter squadrons during the battle. Ground crews, radar operators and the Observer Corps also played vital roles in Britain's defence, helping pilots respond quickly to incoming German attacks. 

What were the key events of the Battle of Britain?

13 August 1940 - What was Eagle Day?

The 13 August 1940 is known as ‘Adlertag’ (Eagle Day), and is what marked the start of the Battle of Britian for the German forces. The attacks were widespread, and in the weeks following, there were several more major attacks against Britian.

18 August 1940 - Why the Hardest Day?

Sunday 18 August 1940 became known as the ‘Hardest Day’ of the Battle of Britain, with both sides suffering significant losses. The Luftwaffe flew approximately 850 sorties, launching three major raids against British airfields and radar stations. The RAF responded with 927 sorties, with some pilots flying multiple missions throughout the day.

By the end of the fighting, German aircraft wreckage was scattered across southern England. The Luftwaffe lost 69 aircraft, which were either destroyed or damaged beyond repair, 94 aircrew were killed, 25 wounded and 40 taken prisoner. British forces also suffered heavy losses, with 68 aircraft lost.

7 September 1940 - What was the Blitz?

The Blitz consisted of a series of bombing attacks on British towns and cities, beginning on 7 September 1940 - also known as Black Saturday. The attacks began in London and lasted 57 consecutive nights, causing 430 deaths on the first day alone.

By mid-October, the Luftwaffe began attacking Birmingham and Bristol before they began attacking port cities between mid-November to February 1941. The Blitz lasted for eight months in total, continuing way beyond when the Battle of Britain came to an end.  

15 September 1940 - Why Battle of Britain Day?

The 15 September marked a turning point in the battle. The Fighter Command fought off two large attacks, destroying 56 German aircraft. This convinced the German High Command that the Luftwaffe wouldn’t be able to get air supremacy over Britain.

17 September 1940 - Why was Sea Lion postponed?

Following the Luftwaffe’s losses only a few days earlier, Operation Sea Lion was announced to be postponed indefinitely.

How did Britain win the Battle of Britain? 

Britain's victory relied on effective air defence, advanced technology and the determination of RAF personnel. Radar stations detected incoming German aircraft, allowing Fighter Command to deploy squadrons efficiently. The RAF's Spitfires and Hurricanes played crucial roles in intercepting Luftwaffe attacks, while Britain's integrated air defence system helped coordinate operations. German strategic mistakes, including shifting attacks towards London, also contributed to the Luftwaffe's failure to gain air superiority. 

When did the Battle of Britain end?

The Luftwaffe failed to defeat the RAF and successfully gain air superiority, which was required before any channel invasions could take place.  31 October 1940 signalled the end of the Battle of Britain. It also marked the first major German defeat in World War II.

Why was the Battle of Britain important? 

The Battle of Britain marked a turning point in the Second World War, preventing Germany from gaining control of British skies and forcing Hitler to postpone Operation Sea Lion, the planned invasion of Britain. It was Germany's first major strategic defeat of the war and demonstrated the importance of air power in modern warfare. Britain's victory allowed the country to continue resisting Nazi Germany and later serve as a base for Allied operations to liberate occupied Europe.