The Battle of Britain

Air superiority, a defence network and a planned invasion

1940

In 1940 the German air force tried to defeat Britain’s air defences and secure superiority before a planned invasion. The Royal Air Force prevented this, aided by radar and ground observers. Postponing the invasion did not bring an end to air raids or the war.

What was at stake

Germany sought air superiority before Operation Sea Lion, its planned invasion of Britain. The Luftwaffe attacked Royal Air Force bases and other military targets across southeastern England and London. Dogfights were therefore part of a wider attempt to disable the defence system.

More than individual aircraft

Radar and the Observer Corps helped detect approaching aircraft and prepare responses to attacks. Aircraft performance alone cannot explain the outcome: information, early warning and the ability to direct the defence also mattered.

What successful defence achieved

Germany failed to gain air superiority, and the invasion was postponed. The air war also continued through city bombing known as the Blitz. London and southeastern England therefore represent both military defence and danger to civilians in this account.

Explore further

• London and southeastern England

  The setting of air defence and bombing.