Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain was recognized almost immediately as a significant event. Waged from July to October 1940, it pitted a small group of fighter pilots from around the world against a far larger Luftwaffe. Their victory gave hope to the people of Great Britain and to other freedom-loving nations. History
Battle of Britain London Monument
Battle of Britain 79th Anniversary
Sunday, September 15, 2019
at 10:00 a.m.
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
11 Aviation Pkwy, Ottawa, ON
Vintage aircraft fly by weather permitting
Related links
Battle of Britain: Did you know?
In late August, Allied forces began dropping bombs on Berlin in retaliation for an accidental Luftwaffe bombing of London. A furious Hitler ordered massive bombing attacks on British cities, and the Blitz began on September 7. But as bombs rained down on London, the shift in targets turned Luftwaffe attention from airfields and ground elements of the air defence system. More importantly, the change allowed Fighter Command to have more warning of Luftwaffe attacks and to be better prepared.
News and articles
“We give thanks, as we have since 1943”
The national Battle of Britain commemorative ceremony was held September 15, 2019 in Ottawa. The commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force was the reviewing officer and keynote speaker. Here are his remarks.
September 20, 2019
The Battle of Britain: The RCAF gains new leadership
Many Canadian fighter pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain put their knowledge and experience, gained during the crucial battle, to excellent use as they provided foundational leadership for new squadrons over the following years of the war.
September 13, 2019
Battle of Britain profile of courage: John Alexander Kent and the RAF’s Polish fighter pilots
In 1940, John Alexander Kent, a Canadian, was posted to RAF Northolt as a flight commander with the Royal Air Force’s newly-formed No. 303 Polish Squadron.
September 12, 2019
Battle of Britain: CAN/RAF—Canadians in the Royal Air Force
Estimates vary regarding the number of Canadians who served during the Battle of Britain because the definition of “Canadian” was still hazy at the time. It’s estimated that more than 100 Canadian pilots served during the Battle and 23 lost their lives.
September 10, 2019
Last Canadian Battle of Britain pilot “slips the surly bonds of earth”
John Stewart Hart, the last surviving Canadian Battle of Britain pilot, died in June 2019 at the age of 102.
September 9, 2019
The origins of the Battle of Britain ceremony
Each year, on the third Sunday of September, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) celebrates Battle of Britain Sunday. But what was the original purpose behind the ceremony, and when did it start?
September 8, 2019
Check Six! The Battle of Britain in hindsight
More than 100 Canadians are deemed to have participated in the Battle of Britain, and 23 lost their lives. A Royal Canadian Air Force squadron fought during the Battle; No. 1 (RCAF) Squadron, whose pilots were from both a regular force unit and an auxiliary unit, became operational on August 17, 1940.
September 6, 2019
The Birth of a Swift Death: 401 Squadron at its 100th anniversary
401 Squadron, known as the “Rams,” has reached a milestone: it is the first Canadian squadron to celebrate its centennial, which officially occurs this month, November 2018.
November 20, 2018
Heroes of the Battle of Britain remembered
The 78th anniversary of the Battle of Britain was marked on September 16, 2018, with a national ceremony in Gatineau, Québec.
October 1, 2018
Battle of Britain heroes honoured in National Capital Region
The RCAF’s national ceremony honouring those who participated in the Battle of Britain 77 years ago was held at Vintage Wings of Canada in Gatineau, Quebec, on September 17, 2017.
October 13, 2017
