Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain was recognized almost immediately as a significant event. Waged from July to October 1940, it pitted a small group of fighter pilots from around the world against a far larger Luftwaffe. Their victory gave hope to the people of Great Britain and to other freedom-loving nations. History
Battle of Britain London Monument
Battle of Britain: Did you know?
More than 2,300 pilots and aircrew from Great Britain and nearly 600 from other nations participated in the Battle. Of these, 544 lost their lives, including 23 Canadians.
News and articles
We have been passed the torch, and we must not fail
The national Battle of Britain commemorative ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the epic aerial battle was held on September 20, 2020 in Ottawa. The Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force spoke during the ceremony. Here are his remarks.
September 21, 2020
Battle of Britain profile: Wing Commander Arthur Hicklin Warner
Every Canadian who served in the Battle of Britain contributed greatly to the war effort, and one of these many honourable Canadians was Arthur Hicklin Warner.
September 17, 2020
Battle of Britain profile: Norma Zelia Watts – WAAF radio telephonist
During the Battle of Britain, Norma Zelia Watts was the ground contact for the aircrews that fought back the German Luftwaffe in the British skies.
September 15, 2020
The Battle of Britain: The RCAF gains new leadership
Many Canadian fighter pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain put their knowledge and experience, gained during the crucial battle, to excellent use as they provided foundational leadership for new squadrons over the following years of the war.
August 20, 2020
Profile of Courage: Jack Watts passes away at age of 98
Jack Watts, whose war-time exploits included helping destroy the Tirpitz battle ship and surviving a crash in the Mediterranean, died in 2019 at the age of 98.
November 5, 2019
Unrealistic expectations: The Luftwaffe’s doomed mission during the Battle of Britain - Part 5
Unrealistic expectations: The Luftwaffe’s doomed mission during the Battle of Britain.
September 21, 2019
Unrealistic expectations: The Luftwaffe’s doomed mission during the Battle of Britain - Part 6
Unrealistic expectations: The Luftwaffe’s doomed mission during the Battle of Britain.
September 21, 2019
“We give thanks, as we have since 1943”
The national Battle of Britain commemorative ceremony was held September 15, 2019 in Ottawa. The commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force was the reviewing officer and keynote speaker. Here are his remarks.
September 20, 2019
Unrealistic expectations: The Luftwaffe’s doomed mission during the Battle of Britain - Part 4
Unrealistic expectations: The Luftwaffe’s doomed mission during the Battle of Britain.
September 17, 2019
Unrealistic expectations: The Luftwaffe’s doomed mission during the Battle of Britain - Part 3
Unrealistic expectations: The Luftwaffe’s doomed mission during the Battle of Britain.
September 15, 2019
