The 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain
“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” – Sir Winston Churchill
Eighty years ago, the Battle of Britain was fought in the skies over southern England.
By May 1940 very little stood between Britain and the threat of German invasion. All that was left was the Royal Air Force (RAF), which maintained superiority in the skies over England.
Every day between July and October 1940, British and German aircraft clashed in the skies above England.
The 15th September 1940 was a day of extremely heavy aerial combat and was chosen as the day on which to remember the significance of the Battle of Britain.
Thirty-five Australians flew combat operations during the Battle of Britain. Of the total of 537 RAF Fighter Command pilots who died, at least ten were Australian. Another four who were enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force also died.
These brave men were among the airmen immortalised by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in his powerful tribute to the men of Fighter Command: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”
Learn about Australia’s involvement in the Battle of Britain: https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/blog/battle-of-britain