The German’s were now closer and although in Britain morale was high after the success of the evacuation fears of invasion grew stronger. This lead to a new volunteer defence force being established, their task was to keep watch for any sign of enemy invaders. The response was tremendous and within two months half a million men aged between 17 – 65 had signed up for the Home Guard.
Very quickly Germany had dominated Europe and expected Britain to make peace, Britain refused so Hitler planned to invade Britain - ‘Operation Sealion’. As part of the invasion the Battle of Britain started in the skies over Britain. To gain superiority in the skies Germany attacked British airfields, ports and radar stations, however they were unable to defeat the RAF so changed tactics and started bombing London by night.
This marked the end of the Battle of Britain and the beginning of the Blitz in September 1940, ‘Operation Sealion’ was cancelled. For nearly a year British cities were subjected to continual attacks by air causing a huge amount of damage and loss of life. Hitler’s plan was to break the morale of the British people and for a time he managed to achieve this but Britain fought back.
The Battle of Britain proved to be a great success and moral booster, Britain saw Hitler’s Blitzkrieg tactics fail for the first time, also with a huge loss of German Aircraft. The British RAF pilots were able to gain a lot of much needed experience in the air which lead to air superiority.
As Hitler was unable to break down the British defence and morale he changed tactics and decided to attack British convoys in the Atlantic and start an attack on Russia.
In Hitler’s attack on the USSR the Germans used nearly all their Luftwaffe aircraft leaving them open to an aerial counter attack. Britain and U.S.A started bombing Germany in 1942, due to the sheer size and power of the German Military, the plan was to destroy as much of this power as possible. Key German areas were also targeted for example the Ruhr, which was of great importance to the Germans because of it’s large supply of fossil fuels. The success of these devastating attacks was largely due to the experience gained in the Battle of Britain with the support of the American bombers. German industry used a lot of hydro electricity and scientific developments like the ‘bouncing bomb’ enabled attacks to be made the dams crippling the power supply to industry.
At the same time in the Atlantic Germany had used U-boats to destroy merchant shipping carrying supplies to Britain. Initially there were huge shipping losses; Britain wasn’t prepared for this style of attack. Better and faster escort vessels were built these and with the support from the bomber planes Britain won the Battle in the Atlantic and supplies were not halted. However during this battle the British Naval blockade affected supplies to Germany, making them dependent on supplies from countries they had already invaded.
Although Britain was only a small country, the country united in its battle against Germany with Winston Churchill as the government leader from May 1940. In his speech to the people on 13th May 1940 Churchill said, “You ask, what is our policy? I will say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: Victory – victory at all costs, victory, however long and hard the road may be”.
A major factor throughout the war was that the country was united, Britain’s war effort brought people from all walks of life together. Every one wanted to do their bit whether at work, in the community or within their own home. Originally men had a choice about ‘signing up’ but as the war progressed able-bodied men over 17 were conscripted. Those not conscripted willingly joined the Homeguard, this was a voluntary force of men who kept watch for enemy invasion and their presence in the community helped people to feel safer. There was a huge response for the call civil defence workers such as air raid wardens, ambulance drivers and first aiders, their role became increasingly important. Although women were allowed to join the forces they were not allowed to go into battle, for example within the Air Force women repaired planes and worked at the airfields. Women also paid a very important role at work and in the community, they adopted the male roles for example working in factories, in the community and in farming – The Women’s Land Army.
The government produced leaflets on the blackout restrictions, this made people go out and buy thick black curtains to help dim any light that might show through their windows. Anderson shelters were available to erect in your garden but also the underground stations were open for people to sleep in relative safety. Gas masks were issued to everyone, these had to be carried at all times but were never used. Everyone made a contribution to protect themselves and the people in the community. Community spirit was excellent, people supported each other in any way they could. Rationing meant that people had to make do with what was available, to supplement the basic rations there was a ‘grow your own’ campaign and people also kept chickens and rabbits. Metals became vital for building defence equipment, this lead to a campaign for metals by the government. In response to this people took down iron railings and donated metals utensils. People felt that they were doing something for their country and this helped to keep morale high. This high morale in England had a positive effect on the troops fighting the war.
Germany certainly underestimated the commitment of Britain and our commonwealth allies. Britain had a large empire, which aided the war effort as troops could be used from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and India.
Although Britain was facing the threat of invasion troops and tanks were also sent to Africa and Egypt, when Mussolini declared war on the allies. British forces struggled in their efforts in North Africa until the Battle of El Alamein. The success of this battle was due to the leadership of Montgomery, the huge amount of preparation and the over whelming superiority in men and equipment before the attack. The successful Anglo-American attack in North Africa followed this and in May 1943 Rommel surrendered.
Originally America was determined to keep out of the war but after the surprise attack by Japan on Pearl Harbour they joined forces with Britain. Prior to this the USA had sold supplies to anyone with gold to buy them. America had no difficulties with supplies or threats to their own security and became the ‘arsenal of the free world’ able to build factories to produce, build new and better armed ships, planes & tanks in large numbers. As the war progressed Britain slowly ran out of money. Thankfully Roosevelt, the American leader implemented the “Lend & Lease Act”, this permitted them to lend or lease supplies to any government whose defence was vital to the USA. This act helped the British survive by aiding them with money and equipment; this help was also given to Russia later in the war. Roosevelt also saw that Hitler was mastering Europe and after talks with Churchill they agreed that Germany not Japan were the main enemy. After joining forces with Britain, America was also able to send troops and equipment to Africa and Europe.
The USSR also played a role in supporting Britain, Hitler had thought that his invasion of the USSR would go swiftly but the USSR fought back. A huge amount of Hitler’s resources were taken up with the invasion of Russia, giving Britain the opportunity of greater success in Europe and Africa.
I feel I have shown the vital parts that Britain played in the defeat of Germany in the Second World War. Without Britain’s determination, resistance and leadership qualities, Britain would not have gained the support of the other super powers.
