The Battle of BritainThe Battle of Britain

The Application of Air Power in The Application of Air Power in

the Second World Warthe Second World War

Bomber TheoryBomber Theory Airplanes first emerged as a military Airplanes first emerged as a military

technology during WWItechnology during WWI Towards the end of that conflict they began Towards the end of that conflict they began

to be used in an offensive capabilityto be used in an offensive capability With the development of the first Gotha With the development of the first Gotha

bombers, some strategists suggested that bombers, some strategists suggested that air power could be used to defeat the enemy air power could be used to defeat the enemy and avoid the slaughter of the trenches, and and avoid the slaughter of the trenches, and reintroduce battlefield mobilityreintroduce battlefield mobility

Three key theorists emerged during the Three key theorists emerged during the interwar periodinterwar period

Guilio Douhet (Italy)Guilio Douhet (Italy) Airplane had completely changed warfareAirplane had completely changed warfare Airplanes could win wars quickly and decisivelyAirplanes could win wars quickly and decisively Control of the skies would allow an airforce to operate Control of the skies would allow an airforce to operate

whenever and wherever it desired since there was whenever and wherever it desired since there was yet no effective defence against air attacksyet no effective defence against air attacks

With control of the skies pilots could then conduct With control of the skies pilots could then conduct aerial bombing of enemy cities, industrial centres and aerial bombing of enemy cities, industrial centres and civilian populations, thereby sapping the will to resistcivilian populations, thereby sapping the will to resist

Believed that civilian populations were not prepared Believed that civilian populations were not prepared for the effects of war, and therefore bombing would for the effects of war, and therefore bombing would cause paniccause panic

Public pressure would push the government to Public pressure would push the government to negotiate for peacenegotiate for peace

Believed the bomber could fight its way to and back Believed the bomber could fight its way to and back from the target, spawning the phrase “the bomber from the target, spawning the phrase “the bomber will always get through.”will always get through.”

Sir Basil Henry Liddell Hart Sir Basil Henry Liddell Hart (Britain)(Britain)

WWI veteranWWI veteran Championed the virtually unlimited mobility Championed the virtually unlimited mobility

of the airplaneof the airplane Airplane could bypass the trenches and Airplane could bypass the trenches and

strike directly at the heart of the enemystrike directly at the heart of the enemy Seemed to offer best way to quickly end warsSeemed to offer best way to quickly end wars Favoured long range bomber offensives to Favoured long range bomber offensives to

deliver a sudden, massive strike to enemy deliver a sudden, massive strike to enemy industrial centres to destroy the ability to industrial centres to destroy the ability to resistresist

William Mitchell (USA)William Mitchell (USA)

Wrote “The advent of air power has put a Wrote “The advent of air power has put a completely new complexion on the old completely new complexion on the old ways of fighting wars.”(1930)ways of fighting wars.”(1930)

Called for much more accurate strategic Called for much more accurate strategic bombing than Douhetbombing than Douhet

Airplanes should be used as strategic Airplanes should be used as strategic weapons to strike deep into enemy weapons to strike deep into enemy territory attacking vital areas such as territory attacking vital areas such as factories and military installationsfactories and military installations

The Appeal of Bomber The Appeal of Bomber TheoryTheory

Military strategists had been trying to find Military strategists had been trying to find an effective way to win quickly and an effective way to win quickly and cheaplycheaply

Air power had two advantages: no need Air power had two advantages: no need for large and expensive armies; no need to for large and expensive armies; no need to spend money on air defence since the spend money on air defence since the bomber “would always get through”bomber “would always get through”

Nations invested heavily in developing Nations invested heavily in developing bomber fleets between the warsbomber fleets between the wars

Events Between the WarsEvents Between the Wars

Major powers all used bombers in their imperial Major powers all used bombers in their imperial ventures: either to control colonial populations or ventures: either to control colonial populations or seize territoryseize territory

Successful use encouraged their further Successful use encouraged their further developmentdevelopment

Economic hardship of the Great Depression Economic hardship of the Great Depression caused Britain to focus on its development as it caused Britain to focus on its development as it was perceived to be a cheaper option than raising was perceived to be a cheaper option than raising and training an army to fight overseasand training an army to fight overseas

In Germany, Hitler announced in 1935 that his In Germany, Hitler announced in 1935 that his newly created newly created LuftwaffeLuftwaffe was already equal in size was already equal in size to the RAFto the RAF

New technology produced bombers with longer New technology produced bombers with longer range, greater payload capacity, and defensive range, greater payload capacity, and defensive weapons systemsweapons systems

Below, a German Fokker-Wolfe Condor used at Guernica in the Below, a German Fokker-Wolfe Condor used at Guernica in the Spanish Civil WarSpanish Civil War

Early Use of Air Power in Early Use of Air Power in WWIIWWII

Air power in support of infantry and Air power in support of infantry and armoured cavalry had proven its worth for armoured cavalry had proven its worth for the German forces in Poland, Norway, and in the German forces in Poland, Norway, and in the Battle of Francethe Battle of France

German control of the skies had virtually German control of the skies had virtually guaranteed victory in each of these casesguaranteed victory in each of these cases

In Britain a mood of fear permeated; In Britain a mood of fear permeated; estimates calculated that the Luftwaffe could estimates calculated that the Luftwaffe could deliver 700 tonnes of bombs on London dailydeliver 700 tonnes of bombs on London daily

The Home Office gloomily calculated The Home Office gloomily calculated massive casualties and stockpiled collapsible massive casualties and stockpiled collapsible coffinscoffins

A Notable Failure…A Notable Failure… At Dunkirk, Goerring had promised to wipe out the trapped At Dunkirk, Goerring had promised to wipe out the trapped

French and British forces on the beachesFrench and British forces on the beaches While they had had to abandon much of their equipment, a While they had had to abandon much of their equipment, a

huge number of British and French troops were evacuated huge number of British and French troops were evacuated from Dunkirk in late May and early June 1940 in Operation from Dunkirk in late May and early June 1940 in Operation DynamoDynamo

It was originally hoped that up to 45,000 men might be It was originally hoped that up to 45,000 men might be rescued. The actual total came to 338,226 men. The Royal rescued. The actual total came to 338,226 men. The Royal Navy lost six destroyers, 24 small warships. Over 70 of the Navy lost six destroyers, 24 small warships. Over 70 of the "Little ships" were lost too."Little ships" were lost too.

The British navy alone did not have the capacity to get this The British navy alone did not have the capacity to get this many men out, so much of the credit for the “Miracle at many men out, so much of the credit for the “Miracle at Dunkirk” was given to a variety of small boats, including Dunkirk” was given to a variety of small boats, including fishing boats and pleasure yachts, who came across the fishing boats and pleasure yachts, who came across the channel to ferry soldiers back to England channel to ferry soldiers back to England

Another key factor was the weather—it remained calm, Another key factor was the weather—it remained calm, allowing these small craft to safely cross the sometimes allowing these small craft to safely cross the sometimes treacherous channeltreacherous channel

A further key factor was the failure to use available Panzer A further key factor was the failure to use available Panzer units to crush the troops waiting for evacuation, something units to crush the troops waiting for evacuation, something it is still unclear as to why Hitler hesitatedit is still unclear as to why Hitler hesitated

The British navy alone did not have the capacity to get this The British navy alone did not have the capacity to get this many men out, so much of the credit for the “Miracle at many men out, so much of the credit for the “Miracle at Dunkirk” was given to a variety of small boats, including Dunkirk” was given to a variety of small boats, including fishing boats and pleasure yachts, who came across the fishing boats and pleasure yachts, who came across the channel to ferry soldiers back to England channel to ferry soldiers back to England

Another key factor was the weather—it remained calm, Another key factor was the weather—it remained calm, allowing these small craft to safely cross the sometimes allowing these small craft to safely cross the sometimes treacherous channeltreacherous channel

A further key factor was the failure to use available Panzer A further key factor was the failure to use available Panzer units to crush the troops waiting for evacuation, something units to crush the troops waiting for evacuation, something it is still unclear as to why Hitler hesitatedit is still unclear as to why Hitler hesitated

Hitler’s Next TargetHitler’s Next Target

After the fall of France, Hitler turned his After the fall of France, Hitler turned his sights on Britainsights on Britain

Initially German high command believed it Initially German high command believed it was necessary to knock Britain out of the was necessary to knock Britain out of the war before they could take on Soviet Russiawar before they could take on Soviet Russia

Britain expected to be the next target and Britain expected to be the next target and preparations were begunpreparations were begun

ChurchillChurchill

Churchill had become Prime Churchill had become Prime Minister of Britain in May Minister of Britain in May 1940 after Chamberlain’s 1940 after Chamberlain’s diplomatic failure became diplomatic failure became obvious with Nazi obvious with Nazi aggression in Western aggression in Western EuropeEurope

Before the war, Churchill Before the war, Churchill had warned of Hitler’s plans had warned of Hitler’s plans and spoken out against and spoken out against appeasement policies, appeasement policies, resulting in some people resulting in some people labelling him a “warmonger”labelling him a “warmonger”

GoerringGoerring

Commander of the LuftwaffeCommander of the Luftwaffe Hitler’s chief advisor on Hitler’s chief advisor on

military mattersmilitary matters Promised Hitler us would Promised Hitler us would

destroy the trapped French destroy the trapped French and British troops at Dunkirk—and British troops at Dunkirk—escape of the British thanks to escape of the British thanks to bravery and coordination and bravery and coordination and favourable weather conditions favourable weather conditions was a humiliation he was was a humiliation he was determined erasedetermined erase

Luftwaffe’s AdvantageLuftwaffe’s Advantage

In 1940 the Luftwaffe possessed air In 1940 the Luftwaffe possessed air superioritysuperiority

The had the largest number of planes The had the largest number of planes and faced little oppositionand faced little opposition

Employed terror bombingEmployed terror bombing Seen as the key to decisive victorySeen as the key to decisive victory

German ConfidenceGerman Confidence

Goerring promised Hitler that his Luftwaffe would Goerring promised Hitler that his Luftwaffe would smash the RAF and bring Britain to its knees, paving smash the RAF and bring Britain to its knees, paving the way for an amphibious invasionthe way for an amphibious invasion

"My Luftwaffe is invincible. And now we turn to "My Luftwaffe is invincible. And now we turn to England. How long will this one last - two, three England. How long will this one last - two, three weeks?”weeks?” Hermann Goering in June 1940Hermann Goering in June 1940. .

““We might, had the plans been ready, have crossed to We might, had the plans been ready, have crossed to England with strong forces after the Dunkirk England with strong forces after the Dunkirk operation".operation". General Guenther Blumentritt in June 1940General Guenther Blumentritt in June 1940. .

"How long would they last in battle, they ran from "How long would they last in battle, they ran from Dunkirk, they deserted France completely for the Dunkirk, they deserted France completely for the safety of home, England is there for the taking."safety of home, England is there for the taking." General Hugo Sperrle June 1940General Hugo Sperrle June 1940. .

The Plans…The Plans… Germany was taking its time in deciding which Germany was taking its time in deciding which

would be the best and most effective way in would be the best and most effective way in which to invade Britain. which to invade Britain.

Landings would come in the form of amphibious Landings would come in the form of amphibious operations 'en masse' across the Channel which operations 'en masse' across the Channel which would be closely followed by paratroopers and would be closely followed by paratroopers and gliders from the air. gliders from the air.

River crossings had always been a part of the River crossings had always been a part of the German Army training, but the channel crossing German Army training, but the channel crossing would present a different problem.would present a different problem.

It would be the widest crossing ever made, and It would be the widest crossing ever made, and those participating would have to contend with those participating would have to contend with strong currents, possible high winds and the strong currents, possible high winds and the possibility of attack from the air by the RAF. possibility of attack from the air by the RAF.

The decision was made that the Luftwaffe The decision was made that the Luftwaffe would prepare the way for a German would prepare the way for a German invasion. invasion.

Before any amphibious or paratroop Before any amphibious or paratroop landings could be made, the Royal Air Force landings could be made, the Royal Air Force would have to be eliminated, and Hitler and would have to be eliminated, and Hitler and his Commander-in-Chiefs agreed that the his Commander-in-Chiefs agreed that the Luftwaffe would have to establish total air Luftwaffe would have to establish total air supremacy over the English Channel and supremacy over the English Channel and Southern England. Southern England.

This would then allow German aircraft to This would then allow German aircraft to support the amphibious landings on the support the amphibious landings on the beaches. beaches.

The plan was to eliminate the RAF on the The plan was to eliminate the RAF on the ground, destroying aerodromes and aircraft ground, destroying aerodromes and aircraft before they had a chance to take off. before they had a chance to take off.

Heavy bombers would be launched for the initial Heavy bombers would be launched for the initial attack supported by Bf110 aircraft (aka the attack supported by Bf110 aircraft (aka the Messerschmitt) which had a longer range than Messerschmitt) which had a longer range than their front line fighters, but these would be used to their front line fighters, but these would be used to attack any aircraft that would manage to take off. attack any aircraft that would manage to take off.

Goering thought that this would be an easy task as Goering thought that this would be an easy task as he impressed upon his flight leaders "that not only he impressed upon his flight leaders "that not only do the RAF not have enough aircraft to win an air do the RAF not have enough aircraft to win an air battle, their pilots are untrained in air combat and battle, their pilots are untrained in air combat and to clear the skies ready for our invasion should to clear the skies ready for our invasion should take no more than two......three weeks". take no more than two......three weeks".

Once the Luftwaffe had maintained air superiority, Once the Luftwaffe had maintained air superiority, the plan was to land a number of German Army the plan was to land a number of German Army Groups around the south-eastern coastal beaches Groups around the south-eastern coastal beaches of England.of England.

The landings would be broken up into wavesThe landings would be broken up into waves The initial wave to land on Army Group B's beaches The initial wave to land on Army Group B's beaches

would comprise no less than ten infantry divisions would comprise no less than ten infantry divisions made up of 120,000 infantry soldiers, 4,650 horses, made up of 120,000 infantry soldiers, 4,650 horses, 700 tanks, 1,500 army vehicles. 700 tanks, 1,500 army vehicles.

Each side of the landings would be supported by Each side of the landings would be supported by some 30,000 paratroopers whose job it would be to some 30,000 paratroopers whose job it would be to cut communications, secure bridges, railways and cut communications, secure bridges, railways and small villages. small villages.

The landings in the Dover and Ramsgate areas The landings in the Dover and Ramsgate areas would also be carried out in waves and the final would also be carried out in waves and the final objective here would undoubtedly be London. objective here would undoubtedly be London.

Operation Sealion

There is no doubt that Germany had the manpower, There is no doubt that Germany had the manpower, the tanks, aircraft and military know-how. the tanks, aircraft and military know-how.

Some of the German Generals had repeatedly said Some of the German Generals had repeatedly said that the plan was to rushed, and that not enough that the plan was to rushed, and that not enough research had gone into any of the tactics to be research had gone into any of the tactics to be used. used.

Others said that more had to be done as to find the Others said that more had to be done as to find the exact strength of the British military forces before exact strength of the British military forces before any such plan was to be put into operation. any such plan was to be put into operation.

Hitler was determined that these rushed plans for Hitler was determined that these rushed plans for "Operation Sealion" should go ahead and the due "Operation Sealion" should go ahead and the due date for this would be in date for this would be in mid August 1940mid August 1940. .

It was not until It was not until July 13thJuly 13th that the German Staff that the German Staff had put before Adolph Hitler the draft plans for an had put before Adolph Hitler the draft plans for an invasion. invasion.

By the By the July 31stJuly 31st Hitler had been convinced that the Hitler had been convinced that the operation must go ahead and his approval was operation must go ahead and his approval was stamped on "Operation Sealion" with the date of stamped on "Operation Sealion" with the date of the invasion to be postponed from mid August until the invasion to be postponed from mid August until September 17th 1940.September 17th 1940.

The initial plans for the The initial plans for the Luftwaffe to wipe out the Luftwaffe to wipe out the Royal Air Force started to Royal Air Force started to take shape. take shape.

They used the airfields in They used the airfields in such countries as such countries as Belgium, Holland and Belgium, Holland and France and used them as France and used them as Luftwaffe bases Luftwaffe bases

After stocking them up After stocking them up with aircraft, fuel, with aircraft, fuel, ammunition and bombs, ammunition and bombs, and installing a base and installing a base communications system communications system slowly converted them slowly converted them into operational bases. into operational bases.

British PreparationsBritish PreparationsChurchill announced that Britain's lines of defence should be Churchill announced that Britain's lines of defence should be

to: to: Maintain a vigilant watch on the enemy's coastal ports by Maintain a vigilant watch on the enemy's coastal ports by

the RAF and the submarines of the Royal Navy. the RAF and the submarines of the Royal Navy. Any activity at these ports should be attacked and Any activity at these ports should be attacked and

destroyed by either the Royal Air Force Bomber Command destroyed by either the Royal Air Force Bomber Command and the Royal Navy or by both. and the Royal Navy or by both.

The second line of defence should be: The second line of defence should be: Constant patrolling of British waters by Royal Air Force Constant patrolling of British waters by Royal Air Force

Coastal Command and by the Royal Navy. Coastal Command and by the Royal Navy. Any detected enemy invasion force to be intercepted and Any detected enemy invasion force to be intercepted and

destroyed by the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force destroyed by the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force The last line of defence was 'the beaches’:The last line of defence was 'the beaches’: If the enemy ever got that far then everything would be If the enemy ever got that far then everything would be

thrown at them from the Army, Navy and the Air Force. thrown at them from the Army, Navy and the Air Force.

But if the enemy was to use its air power as an advance But if the enemy was to use its air power as an advance striking force, then there would be no alternative but to striking force, then there would be no alternative but to destroy them with the Royal Air Force and the Royal Air destroy them with the Royal Air Force and the Royal Air Force alone. And this is of course what happenedForce alone. And this is of course what happened

After Dunkirk, the German army decided to take what could be After Dunkirk, the German army decided to take what could be termed......a holiday. termed......a holiday.

It was a known fact now, that an invasion of Britain was It was a known fact now, that an invasion of Britain was imminent, but unknown when would they strike, or why they imminent, but unknown when would they strike, or why they were holding back. were holding back.

This gave Britain time to re-group. This gave Britain time to re-group. More fighter planes arrived at the airfields adding further More fighter planes arrived at the airfields adding further

strength to Fighter Command strength to Fighter Command More pilots were being assigned to squadrons all over England, More pilots were being assigned to squadrons all over England,

new combat tactics were being taught to pilots old and new, new combat tactics were being taught to pilots old and new, A lot of lessons were learnt in France: '...what we experienced A lot of lessons were learnt in France: '...what we experienced

in France, was only a taste of what was to follow in the in France, was only a taste of what was to follow in the defence of England'. defence of England'.

More and more fighter aircraft were being fitted with the More and more fighter aircraft were being fitted with the variable airscrews which would give the fighters far better variable airscrews which would give the fighters far better performance. performance.

Phases of the BattlePhases of the Battle

It has always been a point of controversy as to It has always been a point of controversy as to how many phases there were in the Battle of how many phases there were in the Battle of Britain. Britain.

In Britain all historians agree that the Battle of In Britain all historians agree that the Battle of Britain commenced on July 10th 1940. Britain commenced on July 10th 1940.

Each phase depicts a different approach to Each phase depicts a different approach to combat attack and defence. combat attack and defence.

Some historians claim that there were four Some historians claim that there were four phases in the battle while others make claim to it phases in the battle while others make claim to it consisting of five. consisting of five.

What follows is a consolidated version…What follows is a consolidated version…

Phase 1. (July 10th - August 7th 1940) Attacks on the Phase 1. (July 10th - August 7th 1940) Attacks on the Channel Convoys.Channel Convoys.

The bulk of attacks were in the south where the The bulk of attacks were in the south where the Luftwaffe went on probing attacks on British shipping Luftwaffe went on probing attacks on British shipping in the English Channel and in the outer Thames in the English Channel and in the outer Thames Estuary. Estuary.

During this phase, London remained unscathed; many During this phase, London remained unscathed; many Londoners went about their business as usual as if Londoners went about their business as usual as if there was no war on at all. there was no war on at all.

Most of these attacks in the Channel were on the Most of these attacks in the Channel were on the merchant convoys conveying much needed coal, raw merchant convoys conveying much needed coal, raw materials, machinery and foodstuffs to Britain. materials, machinery and foodstuffs to Britain.

By sinking these merchant ships Germany would deny By sinking these merchant ships Germany would deny the British people of the various commodities the British people of the various commodities required for their existence. required for their existence.

At the same time, by attacking these channel At the same time, by attacking these channel convoys, it was hoped that the Luftwaffe would draw convoys, it was hoped that the Luftwaffe would draw out the British fighters from their bases so it could out the British fighters from their bases so it could analyze the strength of the RAF, and determine the analyze the strength of the RAF, and determine the speed and efficiency that the RAF could deploy its speed and efficiency that the RAF could deploy its squadronssquadrons

It was hoped that the Luftwaffe would destroy the It was hoped that the Luftwaffe would destroy the RAF in the air. RAF in the air.

Phase 2. (August 8th - September 6th 1940) Phase 2. (August 8th - September 6th 1940)

Attacks on RAF AirfieldsAttacks on RAF Airfields The attacks on shipping continued, but after the The attacks on shipping continued, but after the

failure to draw and destroy Fighter Command in failure to draw and destroy Fighter Command in the air, Germany's tactics were to now bomb and the air, Germany's tactics were to now bomb and destroy RAF airfields in southern and south-east destroy RAF airfields in southern and south-east England and to obliterate the radar stations along England and to obliterate the radar stations along the south coast. the south coast.

German intelligence reported back to Berlin that German intelligence reported back to Berlin that the RAF total strength had been seriously depleted the RAF total strength had been seriously depleted and that with continued attacks the Luftwaffe and that with continued attacks the Luftwaffe would have command of the skies over the would have command of the skies over the Channel and in Southern England. Channel and in Southern England.

Hitler then issued his directive No.16 which would Hitler then issued his directive No.16 which would put "Operation Sealion", the invasion of Britain into put "Operation Sealion", the invasion of Britain into operation. operation.

This phase was all important to Germany, as it had This phase was all important to Germany, as it had to destroy the RAF both in the air and on the to destroy the RAF both in the air and on the ground if any attempt at an invasion crossing of ground if any attempt at an invasion crossing of the Channel was to be a success. the Channel was to be a success.

RAF Fighter Command was stretched to the limit.RAF Fighter Command was stretched to the limit.

Radar played a key Radar played a key role in this phase of role in this phase of the battlethe battle

The RAF had limited The RAF had limited resources in terms resources in terms of fuel, planes, and of fuel, planes, and pilotspilots

British radar had a British radar had a far more effective far more effective cover rangecover range

Allowed them to Allowed them to pinpoint incoming pinpoint incoming raiders and send raiders and send planes out to meet planes out to meet them, saving limited them, saving limited manpower and manpower and resourcesresources

On the 12th August, 1940, the German airforce On the 12th August, 1940, the German airforce began its mass bomber attacks on British radar began its mass bomber attacks on British radar stations, aircraft factories and fighter airfields. stations, aircraft factories and fighter airfields.

During these raids radar stations and airfields were During these raids radar stations and airfields were badly damaged and twenty-two RAF planes were badly damaged and twenty-two RAF planes were destroyed. This attack was followed by daily raids destroyed. This attack was followed by daily raids on Britain.on Britain.

As a result of the effective range of the Luftwaffe, As a result of the effective range of the Luftwaffe, the battle was mainly fought over southern the battle was mainly fought over southern England. England.

Between 1st and 18th August the RAF lost 208 Between 1st and 18th August the RAF lost 208 fighters and 106 pilots. fighters and 106 pilots.

The second half of the month saw even heavier The second half of the month saw even heavier losses and wastage now outstripped the production losses and wastage now outstripped the production of new aircraft and the training of pilots to fly them. of new aircraft and the training of pilots to fly them.

Those British pilots that did survive suffered from Those British pilots that did survive suffered from combat fatigue.combat fatigue.

Phase 3. (September 7th - September 30th 1940) Phase 3. (September 7th - September 30th 1940) Bombing of London, Major Cities & Airfields Bombing of London, Major Cities & Airfields

The first bombing attacks on the City of London started the third The first bombing attacks on the City of London started the third phase of the battle phase of the battle

The RAF were close to defeat but Hitler changed his tactics and The RAF were close to defeat but Hitler changed his tactics and ordered the Luftwaffe to switch its attack from British airfields, ordered the Luftwaffe to switch its attack from British airfields, factories and docks to civilian targets. factories and docks to civilian targets.

This decision was the result of a bombing attack on Berlin that This decision was the result of a bombing attack on Berlin that had been ordered by Charles Portal, the new head of Bomber had been ordered by Charles Portal, the new head of Bomber Command. Command.

Heavy bomb concentrations of the industrial factories and the Heavy bomb concentrations of the industrial factories and the dock areas of London's "East End" turned the city into a huge dock areas of London's "East End" turned the city into a huge fireball on both sides of the River Thames. fireball on both sides of the River Thames.

Luftwaffe theory was that mass bombing raids could inflict severe Luftwaffe theory was that mass bombing raids could inflict severe damage to the city, lowering the moral and strength of the damage to the city, lowering the moral and strength of the people while at the same time eliminating the last of the people while at the same time eliminating the last of the remaining fighters remaining fighters

Attacks on RAF airfields would continue on a lesser scale, and the Attacks on RAF airfields would continue on a lesser scale, and the daylight bombing of London would continue until the end of the daylight bombing of London would continue until the end of the month. month.

Heavy night bombing was then planned to continue for as long as Heavy night bombing was then planned to continue for as long as it took, or until the city and its people were bombed into it took, or until the city and its people were bombed into submission. submission.

King George, Queen-Consort Elizabeth, and Churchill all remained King George, Queen-Consort Elizabeth, and Churchill all remained in the capital—a great source of inspiration for resistancein the capital—a great source of inspiration for resistance

Phase 4. (October 1st - October 31st 1940) Phase 4. (October 1st - October 31st 1940) Concentrated Night Bombing Tactics Concentrated Night Bombing Tactics

The night raids continued with Hitler's planned invasion in The night raids continued with Hitler's planned invasion in tatters. Throughout September he kept the thrust of his tatters. Throughout September he kept the thrust of his heavy bombers mainly on London, but many other industrial heavy bombers mainly on London, but many other industrial centres suffered as well, but at a high attrition rate to the centres suffered as well, but at a high attrition rate to the Luftwaffe. They continued to suffer heavier losses than the Luftwaffe. They continued to suffer heavier losses than the RAF and this they could not afford to do. RAF and this they could not afford to do.

The earlier plan to destroy Fighter Command had failed The earlier plan to destroy Fighter Command had failed miserably, still the British fighters defended their capital even miserably, still the British fighters defended their capital even though considerable damage was being done, so in late though considerable damage was being done, so in late September "Operation Sealion" was cancelled. September "Operation Sealion" was cancelled.

The night bombing raids continued thought October, mainly The night bombing raids continued thought October, mainly in desperation, and in the hope that the RAF would falter, but in desperation, and in the hope that the RAF would falter, but all the Luftwaffe was doing was losing more aircraft and all the Luftwaffe was doing was losing more aircraft and losing more and more aircrews. losing more and more aircrews.

By By October 31stOctober 31st, the skies were all quiet as Germany , the skies were all quiet as Germany directed its efforts towards Russia. But night bombing attacks directed its efforts towards Russia. But night bombing attacks on London and other cities and industrial centres was to on London and other cities and industrial centres was to continue. continue.

German FailureGerman Failure The Blitz brought an end to the Battle of Britain. The Blitz brought an end to the Battle of Britain.

During the conflict the Royal Air Force lost 792 During the conflict the Royal Air Force lost 792 planes and the Luftwaffe 1,389. planes and the Luftwaffe 1,389.

There were 2,353 men from Great Britain and 574 There were 2,353 men from Great Britain and 574 from overseas who were members of the air from overseas who were members of the air crews that took part in the Battle of Britain. crews that took part in the Battle of Britain.

An estimated 544 were killed and a further 791 An estimated 544 were killed and a further 791 lost their lives in the course of their duties before lost their lives in the course of their duties before the war came to an end.the war came to an end.

In the end, The German decision to use terror In the end, The German decision to use terror bombing allowed the RAF to recover and rebuildbombing allowed the RAF to recover and rebuild

Britain began to be more successful in countering Britain began to be more successful in countering attacks and the kill ratio shifted in their favourattacks and the kill ratio shifted in their favour

With pilot losses mounting with no apparent sign With pilot losses mounting with no apparent sign of victory, Operation Sealion was abandoned and of victory, Operation Sealion was abandoned and Hitler turned his attention to the Battle of the Hitler turned his attention to the Battle of the Atlantic to defeat Britain, and set his sights on Atlantic to defeat Britain, and set his sights on RussiaRussia