In this pivotal episode of the Battle of Britain series, we explore the mounting pressures faced by both British and German forces as September 1940 unfolds. While the RAF continues its desperate defense against daily Luftwaffe raids, behind the scenes both nations are dealing with critical resource challenges and strategic dilemmas. The British struggle with pilot shortages and factory production disruptions caused by constant air raid warnings, leading to new policies that increase worker risk but maintain essential aircraft production. Meanwhile, German intelligence faces a mathematical crisis as their estimates of British fighter strength prove wildly inaccurate, with the RAF continuing to field strong resistance despite German claims of destroying over 1,100 fighters. As Hitler's September 10th deadline for Operation Sea Lion approaches, the Luftwaffe shifts focus from airfields to London itself, culminating in the massive September 7th bombing raid that marks the beginning of the London Blitz - a devastating new phase that would see the city bombed for 57 consecutive days and nights, forever changing the character of the Battle of Britain.

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History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network.

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