In the summer of 1940, the Battle of Britain saw 3,000 airmen risk their lives to defend British shores from the Nazis. But as the pilots battled overhead, what was life like for those supporting them on the ground, and the people of Britain they sought to protect? What was Hitler’s objective, and how did the British react? And what was the secret to defeating the formidable Luftwaffe?

This is a Short History of the Battle of Britain.

Written by Linda Harrison. With thanks to Patrick Tootal, Honorary Secretary of the Battle of Britain Memorial.

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