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
80th Anniversary
Virtual ceremony
Sunday, September 20, 2020
10:30 A.M. EDT
Fly-past of Second World War aircraft, weather permitting.
info icon Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the RCAF invites you to watch this year’s wreath laying and small ceremony, hosted at the Beechwood National Military Cemetery, on the RCAF Facebook page www.facebook.com/rcaf.arc.
Battle of Britain: Did you know?
Armed with eight .303 Browning guns and capable of attaining 362 miles per hour (580 Kilometres per hour), the Spitfire was heavily armed and fast for its era. Although the Hawker Hurricane was used more often during the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire had a higher victory to loss ratio and it’s the Spit that people remember most.
News and articles
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
Battle of Britain veteran marks 100th birthday
Flying Officer (retired) Ralph Wild was an instrument repair technician during the Battle of Britain. On September 27, 2018, he turned 100 and among those who sent him birthday wishes was the commander of the RCAF.
October 3, 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
RCAF marks 77th anniversary of the Battle of Britain throughout Canada
RCAF personnel mark the 77th anniversary of the Battle of Britain throughout Canada
October 12, 2017
RCAF marks 77th anniversary of the Battle of Britain
The Royal Canadian Air Force marked the 77th anniversary of the Battle of Britain today with a ceremony in Gatineau, Quebec.
September 17, 2017
Battle of Britain Sunday
RCAF aircrew and groundcrew contributed to the Allied victory in the Battle of Britain. Here are some of those heroes of a victory that would be carried as a talisman in the hearts of every Allied combatant in the Second World War.
September 15, 2017
No. 242 “Canadian” Squadron revisited
No. 242 had been formed in October 1939 as an all-Canadian unit within the Royal Air Force (RAF). The idea was largely one of optics—it made for good press in Canada to have such a unit operating before a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) presence could be established. Only about 40 per cent of the ground crews were Canadian, but all of the pilots (with one exception) were Canadians who had enrolled directly in the RAF before the war.
September 12, 2017
The unsung heroes of the Battle of Britain: The groundcrew of No. 1 (RCAF) Squadron
The groundcrew and support staff who allowed the fighter pilots to do their job of destroying the enemy were the unsung heroes of the Battle of Britain.
September 11, 2017
Among Canada’s “Few”: The RCAF’s No. 1 Squadron in the Battle of Britain
The Royal Canadian Air Force’s No. 1 Squadron’s contribution to the Battle of Britain represents the first time our nation sent an expeditionary air force into battle in a coalition environment.
September 11, 2017
