The Battle of Britain, dated 10 July to 31 October, 1940 by the UK Air Ministry, was an air battle between the German Luftwaffe and British Royal Air Force and allies during the Second World War (1939-45). The Luftwaffe failed to achieve air superiority, necessary for any future invasion of Britain, and so the RAF won a precious victory that finally stopped the westward expansion of Nazi Germany.
More about: Battle of BritainDefinition
Timeline
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Jun 1940The Luftwaffe makes a series of attacks on British Channel shipping and coastal ports. It is the prelude to the Battle of Britain.
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10 Jul 1940 - 31 Oct 1940The Battle of Britain (official Air Ministry dates).
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13 Aug 1940Adlertag ("Eagle Day”), the start of major Luftwaffe operations in the Battle of Britain.
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23 Aug 1940 - 7 Sep 1940The most intense period of aerial engagements in the Battle of Britain.
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24 Aug 1940German Heinkel He 111 bombers accidentally bomb London when aiming for an oil refinery.
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25 Aug 1940RAF bombers attack Berlin in retaliation for the Luftwaffe's bombing of London the previous night.
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7 Sep 1940300 German bombers hit London. It marks the Luftwaffe's change in strategy to attack British cities in the Battle of Britain and the start of the London Blitz.
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15 Sep 1940Battle of Britain Day’ when the RAF inflicts heavy losses on the German Luftwaffe.
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17 Sep 1940Adolf Hitler indefinitely postpones Operation Sea Lion, his planned invasion of Britain.
