What happened in the Battle of Britain?

In the Battle of Britain of 1940 the German Luftwaffe repeatedly attacked Britain with fighter and bomber aircraft but ultimately failed to gain air superiority over the Royal Air Force.

Why did the Germans lose the Battle of Britain?

The Germans lost the Battle of Britain because of the brave defence by the Royal Air Force and operational limitations such as distance and replacement aircraft, which meant the German Luftwaffe could not sustain their losses and gain air superiority.

What countries fought in the Battle of Britain?

The Battle of Britain was fought between the air forces of Britain and Germany, but many of the pilots and air crews of the RAF were from British Empire countries like South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. The British RAF also had Polish, Czech, and French squadrons.

Battle of Britain Timeline

Definition

The Battle of Britain, dated 10 July to 31 October 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 Britain

Timeline

Jun 1940
The Luftwaffe makes a series of attacks on British Channel shipping and coastal ports. It is the prelude to the Battle of Britain.
10 Jul 1940 - 31 Oct 1940
The Battle of Britain (official Air Ministry dates).
13 Aug 1940
Adlertag ("Eagle Day”), the start of major Luftwaffe operations in the Battle of Britain.
23 Aug 1940 - 7 Sep 1940
The most intense period of aerial engagements in the Battle of Britain.
24 Aug 1940
German Heinkel He 111 bombers accidentally bomb London when aiming for an oil refinery.
25 Aug 1940
RAF bombers attack Berlin in retaliation for the Luftwaffe's bombing of London the previous night.
7 Sep 1940
300 German bombers hit London. It marks the Luftwaffe's change in strategy to attack British cities in the Battle of Britain.
15 Sep 1940
Battle of Britain Day’ when the RAF inflicts heavy losses on the German Luftwaffe.
17 Sep 1940
Adolf Hitler indefinitely postpones Operation Sea Lion, his planned invasion of Britain.