The Battle of Britain

Question 1

Why did the Battle of Britain happen?

Answer 1

Germany wanted to take Britain out of the war and Goering convinced Hitler that he could, through the use of the Luftwaffe, force Britain to submit.

Question 2

What was the Battle of Britain?

Answer 2

It was the battle between the RAF and the Luftwaffe for control of the air over Britain and was fought over many months.

Question 3

What were the 5 key features of the Battle of Britain?

Answer 3

1. July 10th - August 7th: Luftwaffe attacked the British coast, especially RAF radar stations.
2. August 8th - September 6th: Luftwaffe attacked on RAF airfields.
3. September 7th - 15th: Luftwaffe, thinking the RAF were beaten, attacked London.
4. September 15th: Luftwaffe defeated. This is now Battle of Britain Day because it convinced the Luftwaffe that the RAF was still a fighting force.
5. September 17th: Hitler called off Operation Sealion.

Question 4

Why did Britain win the Battle of Britain?

Answer 4

1. Britain had radar, which was a system installed all along the south and east coasts at the start of the war that detected Luftwaffe and warned the RAF of how many planes were coming and where they were heading.
2. Even though the Germans had the Luftwaffe and many more bomber planes, the RAF had more fighter planes and its Spitfire planes were the most efficient design.
3. ‘Dunkirk spirit’ kept the RAF pilots flying, despite terrible losses.