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: 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
Battle of Britain profile of courage: Pilot Officer Kirkpatrick MacLure Sclanders
New Brunswicker Pilot Officer Kirkpatrick MacLure Sclanders joined the Royal Air Force, became ill, was released, and rejoined to serve in the Battle of Britain as a Hurricane pilot with 242 (Canadian) Squadron.
August 28, 2015
Battle of Britain profile of courage: Squadron Leader James Arthur “Johnnie” Walker
During the Battle of Britain, Flying Officer James Arthur Walker received the Distinguished Flying Cross. The citation reads, in part, that he “…has displayed magnificent courage in the face of superior numbers of enemy aircraft.”
August 26, 2015
Battle of Britain profile of courage: Pilot Officer George Henry Corbett
Eighteen-year-old George Corbett joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve while attending school in England. At 20, Pilot Officer Corbett was engaging the Luftwaffe over England.
August 19, 2015
Battle of Britain profile of courage: Pilot Officer John Blandford Latta
John Blandford Latta was a salmon fisherman on the West Coast of Canada, complete with his own trawler, when he decided to take a crack at becoming a flyer in the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1939.
August 12, 2015
Battle of Britain profile of courage: Wing Commander Jean-Paul Joseph Desloges
Although Wing Commander Jean-Paul Joseph Desloges, born in Gatineau, Québec, survived the Battle of Britain, he died on May 8, 1944, in a plane crash in Morocco, one year to the day before the war ended in Europe.
August 4, 2015
Battle of Britain profile of courage: Flying Officer J. Stewart “Stew” Young
For Young, the Battle of Britain was a period of seemingly endless patrols interspersed with the occasional chase of an enemy aircraft as his squadron protected vital shipping, and Falmouth and Plymouth harbours.
July 27, 2015
Battle of Britain profile of courage: Pilot Officer Jack Urwin-Mann
Battle of Britain ace Pilot Officer John Ronald “Jack” Urwin-Mann received the Distinguished Flying Cross on November 26, 1940. The citation reads, in part, “This officer has displayed initiative and dash in his many engagements against the enemy.”
July 20, 2015
Battle of Britain profile of courage: Pilot Officer Joseph Émile Paul Larichelière
In just four short days during the Battle of Britain, Pilot Officer Larichelière scored his first victory, became an "ace" and met his death.
July 15, 2015
ARCHIVED - New coin commemorates Canadians in the Battle of Britain
The Royal Canadian Mint has launched its Second World War Battlefront Series of coins with a silver coin commemorating the role Canadian aviators played in the Battle of Britain.
March 18, 2015
Battle of Britain Sunday observed across Canada
More than 100 courageous young Canadians made their way to the south of England in early 1940 to join with like-minded young men from Commonwealth nations around the globe in a battle that would shape the world.
October 16, 2014
