The Battle of Britain

The Battle of Britain took place during the summer of 1940 and is popularly believed to have been fought solely in the air. In reality, it was not the air battle alone that saved our tiny islands from invasion. Apart from massive Nazi tactical errors following Hitler's numerous 'tantrums', the Royal Navy's involvement was huge but, for most of us, remains an unknown aspect of our battle for survival.

With the surrender of France (22 June 1940) and the Dunkirk evacuation, Hitler believed that the British would soon agree terms and turned his focus back towards his dream of conquering the Soviets. Churchill would not even contemplate agreeing terms and spurred on the Government and public with his moral-building speech, "The Battle of France is over. I expect the Battle of Britain is about to begin...", from which the battle gained its name.

Hitler, who wanted to get on with his Soviet-bashing ambitions, saw Britain as nothing more than an annoying side issue and ordered Großadmiral Erich Raeder, Commander-in-Chief of the Kriegsmarine to prepare a plan for the invasion of Britain. He hoped that news of the plan, and the preparations, would frighten Churchill to the negotiating table. Raeder had already advised Hitler that an invasion of Britain should only be considered as a last resort as the Kriegsmarine was so depleted there was nothing it could do to defend an invasion force from the still powerful Royal Navy. Prerequisite to an invasion of Britain would be the elimination or sealing off of Royal Navy forces from the landing and approach areas. This necessitated the total elimination of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in order that the defending British fleets could be destroyed from the air by the Luftwaffe's torpedo and dive bombers. Thus, the stage was set for the biggest ariel barney the world had ever seen.

Unternehmen Seelöwe (Operation Sealion), was scheduled to take place in mid-September 1940. The exact dates of the aerial Battle of Britain remain the subject of many debates, but most historians have settled on the period of 10th July to 31st October 1940.

The EYFHS Battle of Britain Memorial Database includes all allied aircrew who officially participated in one or more flights between 10th July and 31st October 1940. We would welcome any additional information which members are able to provide.

Access to this database is open to members only. If you are an exisitng member you will need to sign in to the Members Zone. Non members are welcome to join the EYFHS for just £12 per year (UK) or £16 per year (overseas).