The Battle of Britain: Defending the Nation

1. The Battle of Britain …Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” Prime Minister Winston Churchill, August 1940 Words and Images Defending the Nation -“The Nation at War” Press ‘Esc’ at any time to end the presentation.

2. Germany invaded France.The Battle of France begins. The lead up to The Battle of Britain 338,226 British and Allied soldiers evacuated from Dunkirk. The German General Staff finalise their plans for the invasion of Britain - ‘Operation Sealion’. May 1940 June 1940 July 1940 The French surrendered to the Germans on 22nd June. The Germans begin to increase attacks against British shipping in the English Channel. By June 1940 the R.A.F. had lost 959 aircraft fighting the Germans in the West.

3. In the words of Winston Churchill Images and Propaganda August 1940

4. Highlight the words that Churchill uses to emphasise the courage and skill of the R.A.F Pilots . The gratitude of every home in our Island, in our Empire, and indeed throughout the world, except in the abodes of the guilty, goes out to the British airmen who, undaunted by odds, unwearied in their constant challenge and mortal danger, are turning the tide of the World War by their prowess and by their devotion. Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. According to this part of Churchill’s speech, how important was the role of the RAF during this stage of World War Two?

5. Look at the words and phrases used by Churchill below. All hearts go out to the fighter pilots, whose brilliant actions we see with our own eyes day after day; but we must never forget that all the time, night after night, month after month, our bomber squadrons travel far into Germany, find their targets in the darkness by the highest navigational skill, aim their attacks, often under the heaviest fire, often with serious loss, with deliberate careful discrimination, and inflict shattering blows upon the whole of the technical and war-making structure of the Nazi power. How effective do you think this speech was in encouraging the British public to admire and support the work of the R.A.F.?

6. Churchill's view of the R.A.F. during the Battle of Britain... Descriptions and phrases used in speeches Importance of the R.A.F. The debt owed to the R.A.F. Images provided by the Battle of Britain Historical Society

7. What makes this such an effective propaganda poster? Words used Image/Picture Image courtesy of the Imperial War Museum, London

8. Why do you think that photographs like this one were placed in British newspapers during the period of the Battle of Britain? IWM, London Hurricane Mk. Is scrambling from Gravesend on 15th August 1940. Key descriptive words: e.g. Patriotism, Confidence Photograph courtesy of the Imperial War Museum, London (HU3093)

9. Look carefully at the uniforms of these men and what the soldier towards the centre of the photograph is holding.Describe what you think has happened. Why may German newspapers have wanted to print photographs such as this while British newspapers would not? Photograph courtesy of Des Quinn

10. A section of the Battle of Britain London Monument, sculpted by Paul Day Images that depict the Battle of Britain are still extremely popular today.If many memorials, sculptures and images of this particular period of British History are so popular what does this tell you about the importance of the Battle of Britain? Image courtesy of the Battle of Britain Historical Society