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?
On September 15, the Germans launched a massive attack but, although the fighting was fierce, the Royal Air Force (RAF), using new tactics, was victorious.
Two days later, Hitler postponed the invasion; he never again considered it seriously. By the end of September, the Battle of Britain came to an end without fanfare. It was the first military confrontation won by air power and Germany’s first defeat in the war.
Battle of Britain Webpage
News and articles
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
The Battle of Britain: Army Cooperation Squadrons
There were two Canadian squadrons present in Great Britain during the Battle of Britain whose activities and support are hardly ever mentioned: No. 110 and No. 112 Army Cooperation Squadrons.
September 18, 2014
Battle of Britain parade honours the dwindling few
The national Battle of Britain parade held in Ottawa on September 15, 2013, honoured the ever-dwindling number of courageous men and women who served and died in the famous Second World War air battle.
September 18, 2013
Profile of service: Llewellyn William Lloyd – meteorology technician
Cpl Llewellyn William Lloyd was the RCAF corporal-in-charge of the weather station at Cape Bauld, Newfoundland, in support of Second World War efforts.
September 13, 2013
Battle of Britain profile: Flying Officer Peter Lochnan
The pilots of the Battle of Britain are honoured for their efforts in turning aside the German onslaught designed to prepare the British for a German invasion.
September 12, 2013
Battle of Britain profile: Norma Zelia Watts – WAAF radio telephonist
During the Battle of Britain, Norma Zelia Watts was the ground contact for the aircrew that fought back the German Luftwaffe in the British skies.
September 12, 2013
