Battle of Britain
2015 marked the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the first decisive battle in history that was fought entirely in the air. From May to September 1940 Luftwaffe attacks moved away from the coast and shipping targets to RAF airfields and associated infrastructure, but a strategic response and great bravery and skill from the RAF pilots gave Britain an advantage and Germany was unable to achieve its objective of destroying our air defences. In his famous speech Churchill spoke of the sacrifices made during this period saying “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”
There are many others that contributed at this time including the ground crew supporting those in the air, the drivers, radar operators, plotters, ARP wardens, firefighters and nurses to name just a few. Many more people were affected by bombing around the country, so it is important to remember the sacrifices of these millions of people too.
The RAF Association led the Nation’s thanks with commemorative events around the country.