​​The Battle of Britain took place during the Second World War in 1940. At the time Hitler’s Germany was trying to invade Britain. Before they could launch an invasion, the German Luftwaffe needed to destroy Britain’s fighter capability. The Battle was fought in the skies, between the Allied pilots of many nations and the German pilots. 

​The Battle of Britain is officially designated as the period between 10 July to 31 October 1940. It was one of the first Battles of the Second World War. 

​It was Winston Churchill who first coined the phrase, during a speech in June 1940. This was just after France had been defeated and he said, “I expect the Battle of Britain is about to begin”. 

​A total of 2,937 men served under the Royal Air Force from fifteen nations, according to the official recorded numbers of those who fought. Of that number, 544 airmen lost their lives during the Battle of Britain.​