Beyond The Ordinary
September 15, 1940, known as Battle of Britain Day, was the climax of the Battle of Britain during World War II. The German Luftwaffe launched two massive, concentrated bombing raids on London in an attempt to annihilate the Royal Air Force (RAF). The RAF successfully intercepted and scattered the German formations, denying the Luftwaffe air superiority and thwarting the planned Nazi invasion of Britain.
Key Events of the Day.
The Massive Raids:
The Luftwaffe launched two major waves involving roughly 500 bombers and 600 fighters. The first wave arrived at 11:00 AM and the second at 2:00 PM, accompanied by continuous fighter sweeps.
Churchill's Visit.
Prime Minister Winston Churchill was at the underground headquarters of No. 11 Group at RAF Uxbridge. Watching the plots on the map, he famously asked Air Vice-Marshal Keith Park what reserves were left; Park replied, 'There are none', just before the Luftwaffe formations turned back.
Decisive Losses.
The RAF effectively defended the skies, dealing the Luftwaffe its heaviest daytime defeat in over a month. The British lost about 31 aircraft, while the Germans lost 61.