In the summer of 1940, the most important battle in the history of air warfare was fought between the British Royal Air Force and the German Luftwaffe in the skies over southern Britain. Only after a series of tightly fought aerial battles did the RAF secure a narrow victory – or did it?
The Battle of Britain explores the men, machines and tactics engaged in the epic struggle, and seeks to debunk some of the popular myths that surround it. Covering each stage of the battle in detail, beginning with the opening attacks on British shipping and ports, the book highlights how close the German war of attrition against the RAF came to succeeding and how lucky the British were. It also examines why when the Luftwaffe was so close to success it began bombing British cities. From technical weaknesses to conflict among personnel, the failings of both sides are also dissected.
Superbly illustrated with both full-colour artworks of the aircraft (including some three-view artworks), as well as colour and black-and-white photographs, and a detailed appendix on squadron and aircraft service history, The Battle of Britain provides an outstanding account of the conflict.