The Battle Of Britain

1. Michelle H, Natasya, Jessica O, Davin The Battle Of Britain

2. What: An aviation war fought between Brtain and Germany When: July 10 – September 15, 1940 Effects: The Battle of Britain was an unnecessary war in which the Luftwaffe attacked Brtain for pointless reasons The Battle Of Britain

3. The Battle Of Britain • Germans needed to control English Channel in order to invade Britain • They had planned on sending in barges full of soldiers through English Channel • To take over channel, had to dominate in air • So the Luftwaffe - German air force - was sent to fight to Royal Air Force (RAF) • Germany had the advantage of numbers • Luftwaffe had 4,000 planes versus the RAF’s 1,660, but in the end Germany lost the battle

4. The Battle Of Britain • The Battle of Britain was a war fought between Britain’s RAF and Germany’s Luftwaffe • First battle completely fought in the air • Began August 10, 1940, ended October 31, 1940 • Germany came very close to defeating Britain, but in the end the Luftwaffe lost the battle

5. The Battle Of Britain

6. Why Germany LostNew Developments RADAR Device used by Britain to warn them of approaching enemy planes Radar located Luftwaffe planes so that RAF did not have to search for them Eliminated element of surprize that Luflwaffe had conted on Michelle.H

7. Hurricane Plane Heavy duty plane, could stay in air even when hit several times Effective guns, very versitile Spitfire Plane More quick and agile than Hurricane When hit, went down easily Why Germany LostNew Developments Michelle.H

8. Why Germany LostLocation Disadvantages Luftwaffe traveled far to get to Britain, had to go back to rearm and refuel Pilots did not get much air time over Britain before they had to head back to Germany There were many RAF fighter bases spread around Britain, so RAF planes could quickly land, rearm, and refuel German fighters could not fly as far as bombers So bombers went unprotected and were very vulnerable to attack Jessica

9. Why Germany LostLocation Disadvantages Jessica

10. Why Germany LostPoor Strategic Decisions used Planes at war changed from airfield to cities ignored the radar and defese of allies Bomb Raids Unexpected Attacks Caused too many casualties Caused too much destruction Loss of planes

11. Hermann Goering – Leader of Luftwaffe Corrupt Stop doin g his job Didn't listen to field commanders Involve himself in long& pointless discussions on minor matters Why Germany LostPoor Strategic Decisions

12. Why Germany LostOther Important Facts The planned invasion of Britain was codenamed “Operation Sealion” by Germany For awhile the weather was bad Once the skies cleared on August 15, most of the German dive-bombers had been put out of action So it became much harder for Luftwaffe to destroy British radars Davin

13. Propaganda was used by both sides Germany claimed to have shot down 3,058 RAF planes, when they really only destroyed 650 Britain claimed to have shot down 2,698 Luftwaffe planes, when they really only destroyed 1,100 Why Germany LostOther Important Facts Davin

14. Conclusion The Battle of Britain was an war of aviation between the British RAF Fighter Command and the German Luftwaffe Although Britain came close to loosing, they prevailed in the end Britain’s success ensured freedom for them and allowed them to continue involvement in World War II

15. Effects on War • The Battle of Britain was the first predominately air-based battle in WWII • German plans to quickly and completely invade Britain were foiled when they were defeated • Britain’s victory ensured they would remain a free nation and stay involved in the war • Eventually Britain was able to play a major role in the success of the Allied Powers

16. Discussion Question • How could Herman Goering have planned attacks better in order to ensure defeat over Britain? • Had the weather been more clear, how might the outcome of the battle have differed from the actual results? • Explain why Britain was actually very fortunate to win triumph over Germany in the Battle of Britain.