How did Britain win the Battle of Britain?
In the event, the battle was won by the Royal Air Force (RAF) Fighter Command, whose victory not only blocked the possibility of invasion but also created the conditions for Great Britain’s survival, for the extension of the war, and for the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany.
How did Germany plan to defeat Great Britain?
He planned a massive invasion by land and sea, code named Operation Sea Lion, but knew he needed to defeat the RAF first. Hitler hoped his Luftwaffe and its fierce reputation would intimidate Britain enough that they would surrender peacefully, and even dangled the prospect of a peace treaty.
Would Germany have defeated Britain?
Germany could have never defeated Britain in WWII. 1940—signed BEFORE Germany stopped attacking RAF airfields and switched to terror-bombing London and other British cities—had decided to not let Germany win WWII.
How many lives were lost in the Battle of Britain?
| Battle of Britain | |
|---|---|
| Strength | |
| 1,963 aircraft | 2,550 aircraft |
| Casualties and losses | |
| 1,542 killed 422 wounded 1,744 aircraft destroyed | 2,585 killed 735 wounded 925 captured 1,977 aircraft destroyed |
What was the average age of pilots in the Battle of Britain?
20 years old
How many RAF fighter pilots died in ww2?
Bomber Command aircrews suffered a high casualty rate: of a total of 125,000 aircrew, 57,205 were killed (a 46 percent death rate), a further 8,403 were wounded in action and 9,838 became prisoners of war. Therefore, a total of 75,446 airmen (60 percent of operational airmen) were killed, wounded or taken prisoner.
How many American pilots fought in the Battle of Britain?
nine American
What British plane shot down most in ww2?
Spitfires
Was there any black pilots in the Battle of Britain?
William Robinson Clarke, the first Black pilot to fly for Britain, died in April 1981 and is interred at the Military Cemetery at Up Park Camp in Kingston. His story was only discovered by chance during a volunteer project researching the Royal Aero Club collection held on loan at the Museum.
How many black pilots were in the Battle of Britain?
Soon, the RAF welcomed and trained nearly 500 black Caribbean aircrew into its ranks, along with around 6,000 Caribbean ground crew. They trained as pilots, navigators, air-gunners, flight engineers as well as wireless operators and all of them had joined voluntarily.
Who was the best pilot in Battle of Britain?
Leading aces
| Rank | Pilot | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flt Lt Eric Lock | Total 26 kills. MIA 3 August 1941. |
| 2 | Sqn Ldr Archie McKellar | Total 21 (possibly 22) three probable and three damaged. 5 Bf-109’s on 7 October 1940. KIA 1 November 1940. |
| 3 | Sgt James Lacey | Total 28 kills. |
| 4 | Sgt Josef František | Killed 8 October 1940. |
Are there any Spitfire pilots still alive?
Flight Lieutenant William Clark, 100, and Flying Officer John Hemingway, 100, are now the only surviving members of The Few.