What was the Battle of Britain?
The Battle of Britain took place during the Second World War
in 1940. At the time Germany under Hitler was trying to invade
Britain. The Battle was fought in the skies between the Allies
(airmen in the RAF from Britain and friendly nations) and the
Germans (airmen in the Luftwaffe). more
information ...
When was the Battle of Britain?
The Battle was defined as the air war between the dates of 10th
July and 31st October 1940. more information
...
Who called it the Battle of Britain?
Winston Churchill coined the phrase in a speech in June 1940.
This was just after France had been defeated and he said "I
expect that the Battle of Britain is about to begin"
How many airmen flew in the battle?
2,936 British and Allied airmen took part in the battle. They
were supported by very many more people. more
information ...
What qualified someone to be classed
as a battle airman?
To be classified as a battle airman they had to have flown at
least one authorised sortie with an accredited unit of RAF Fighter
Command in the period 10th July to 31st October 1940. This was
recognised by the awarding of the Battle of Britain clasp to
the 1939-45 Star.
How many countries provided airmen
that flew in the battle?
The airmen came from 15 countries (including Britain). For
a full list see here
Why are some countries listed that
no longer exist?
The airmen are listed as coming from the country as existed at
the time of the battle. For example Newfoundland was a separate
territory apart from Canada at the time and so is listed separately.
Who's idea was the Monument?
The Monument is an initiative of the Battle of Britain Historical
Society, from an original idea by Bill Bond, the Society's founder.
more information ...
What does the Monument commemorate?
The Monument is designed to commemorate those people who took
part in the battle. Whilst the airmen will be commemorated with
their names cast in bronze, the scenes are designed to also remember
everyone who took part in the battle, both military support people
and civilians.
Where is the Monument?
The Monument site is located in London (England) on the Victoria
Embankment (north side of the river Thames). It is between the
RAF memorial (the one with the big eagle wings) and Westminster
bridge / Big Ben (next to the Houses of Parliament). It is opposite
the London Eye ("The wheel"). See
here for more details
What has been the reaction of surviving
pilots to the Monument?
The reaction from pilots who have seen the first castings has
been overwhelmingly positive. Similarly there has been a very
positive response to the concept and design as models (maquettes)
have been shown at many events around the country. See
here for some of the pilots' comments
Where did the list of pilots come
from?
There was no definitive list of airmen who took part in the battle
before this project started. A number of partial lists and ideas
did exits. Thus considerable research has been done as part of
the overall project to produce a definitive list of names of
pilots who flew during the battle. See
here for more details
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