16/09/2025
Battle of Britain Day 85th Anniversary
As I write this on 15 September, it is Battle of Britain Day, when we remember the pivotal air campaign in the summer and autumn of 1940 where the RAF successfully defended British skies from the German Luftwaffe.
On 15th September 1940 the German Luftwaffe launched a massive assault in the skies over the south east with the aim of obliterating the Royal Air Force. It was a day of heavy fighting, and the Luftwaffe suffered significant casualties. It was a decisive defeat for the Luftwaffe, and since then this date has been celebrated as ‘Battle of Britain Day’. At its zenith, the RAF had only 749 fighter aircraft available compared to 2,550 available to the Luftwaffe. It really was a battle to save Britain. Defending our skies came at a significant cost, with 544 RAF aircrew killed during the Battle of Britain. 312 RAF personnel were killed on the ground. The indomitable bulldog spirit shone through as many thousands used their skill, judgement and tenacity to safeguard their homeland. (Courtesy of the RAF Website)
