July 10 - The Battle of Britain Begins

This Day in History: 10 July 2020

 

10 July 1940

 

80 years ago, today, the Battle of Britain began, initiated by a series of bombing raids from the Germans. The British officially recognise the battle's length as spanning over a three-month period, overlapping the Blitz. After the occupation of France had begun two months prior, Britain knew that it was only a matter of time before Germany and the other Axis powers shifted its focus across the Channel and onto the island. This suspicion was proved as German bombers and fighters began to bomb a British shipping convoy in the Channel. Meanwhile, 70 more bombers were attacking dockyard installations in South Wales.

 

Although the British had fewer fighters than the Germans, they still had some advantages, such as an effective radar system, hindering a possible German sneak attack. Britain's superior aircrafts, in the form of Spitfires, enabled them to be more effective pursuers. Additionally, the nation's unified focus aided them throughout, as the German infighting caused missteps in timing. Despite this, in the opening days of the battle, Britain was in dire need of a collective stiff upper lip and aluminium. The government made a plea for the country to turn in all available aluminium to the Ministry of Aircraft Production. The ministry declared it would be turned into Spitfires and Hurricanes, which it was.

 

Want to find out more about the Battle of Britain? Click here for more information, or here for an animated video recalling the event. Alternatively, watch the 1969 film 'Battle of Britain' as it documents the events of the battle.