--- title: Map of the Battle of Britain, 1940 author: Simeon Netchev source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18729/map-of-the-battle-of-britain-1940/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) updated: 2025-08-19 --- # Map of the Battle of Britain, 1940 _Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_ ## Image File [![Map of the Battle of Britain, 1940](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/18729.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/18729.png) ## Image Caption The [Battle of Britain](https://www.worldhistory.org/Battle_of_Britain/) (July - October 1940) was a pivotal air campaign during World [War](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) II. It was fought between [Britain](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Britain/)'s Royal Air Force (RAF) and the German Luftwaffe. As [Adolf Hitler](https://www.worldhistory.org/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](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/). 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](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/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](https://www.worldhistory.org/collection/243/the-normandy-landings/) of [D-Day](https://www.worldhistory.org/D-Day/) in June 1944. #### Editorial Review This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## About the Author Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past. - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/) ## External Links - [Battle Of Britain : U.S. War Department](https://archive.org/details/BattleOfBritain_201705) - [13 Maps From The Second World War](https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/13-maps-from-the-second-world-war) ## Cite This Work ### APA Netchev, S. (2024, March 21). Map of the Battle of Britain, 1940. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Battle of Britain, 1940." *World History Encyclopedia*, March 21, 2024. . ### MLA Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Battle of Britain, 1940." *World History Encyclopedia*, 21 Mar 2024, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 21 March 2024. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.