Map of the Battle of Britain, 1940
The Battle of Britain (July - October 1940) was a pivotal air campaign during World War II. It was fought between Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF) and the German Luftwaffe. As Adolf Hitler sought air superiority as a precursor to a potential invasion (Operation Sea Lion), the German air force launched sustained aerial attacks against Britain, targeting airfields, infrastructure, and eventually cities. The RAF, supported by ground crews and radar operators, defended against these assaults. The use of radar, particularly the Chain Home system, played a significant role in enabling the RAF to detect and effectively intercept incoming enemy aircraft, thwarting Germany's objectives. The Battle of Britain's outcome marked a significant turning point in the war, representing the first major setback for the German military and bolstering British morale. Operation Sea Lion was abandoned and the Allies could then use Britain as a base from which to prepare the Normandy landings of D-Day in June 1944.
