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
80th Anniversary
Sunday, September 20, 2020
10:30 A.M. EDT
Fly-past of Second World War aircraft, weather permitting.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the RCAF invites you to watch this year’s wreath laying and small ceremony, hosted at the Beechwood National Military Cemetery, on the RCAF Facebook page www.facebook.com/rcaf.arc
Battle of Britain: Did you know?
Armed with eight .303 Browning guns and capable of attaining 362 miles per hour (580 Kilometres per hour), the Spitfire was heavily armed and fast for its era. Although the Hawker Hurricane was used more often during the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire had a higher victory to loss ratio and it’s the Spit that people remember most.
News and articles
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
Battle of Britain remembered throughout Canada
Throughout the country, RCAF personnel, veterans, air cadets and the Canadian public paused on September 15, 2019, to mark the 79th anniversary of the Battle of Britain—a pivotal battle that thwarted Hitler’s plan to invade Great Britain.
October 8, 2019
"The Polish-Canadian brotherhood in arms"
During the Battle of Britain, Poland’s 303 Squadron, commanded by a Canadian, scored the highest number of victories. The strong friendship between Poland and Canada, forged during the war, endures to this day, as the Polish defence attaché explains.
September 23, 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
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.
September 13, 2019
Battle of Britain profile of courage: John Alexander Kent and the RAF’s Polish fighter pilots
In 1940, John Alexander Kent, a Canadian, was posted to RAF Northolt as a flight commander with the Royal Air Force’s newly-formed No. 303 Polish Squadron.
September 12, 2019
Battle of Britain: CAN/RAF—Canadians in the Royal Air Force
Estimates vary regarding the number of Canadians who served during the Battle of Britain because the definition of “Canadian” was still hazy at the time. It’s estimated that more than 100 Canadian pilots served during the Battle and 23 lost their lives.
September 10, 2019
Last Canadian Battle of Britain pilot “slips the surly bonds of earth”
John Stewart Hart, the last surviving Canadian Battle of Britain pilot, died in June 2019 at the age of 102.
September 9, 2019
The origins of the Battle of Britain ceremony
Each year, on the third Sunday of September, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) celebrates Battle of Britain Sunday. But what was the original purpose behind the ceremony, and when did it start?
September 8, 2019
Check Six! The Battle of Britain in hindsight
More than 100 Canadians are deemed to have participated in the Battle of Britain, and 23 lost their lives. A Royal Canadian Air Force squadron fought during the Battle; No. 1 (RCAF) Squadron, whose pilots were from both a regular force unit and an auxiliary unit, became operational on August 17, 1940.
September 6, 2019
