Why Did Britain Win the Battle of Britain?

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Why Did Britain Win the Battle of Britain?

        After the BEF’s retreat from Dunkirk, of all the countries opposed to Nazi Germany, Great Britain was the only one still in resistance. Hitler’s plan was to quickly invade Britain and to concentrate fighting on other fronts, with almost the whole of Europe under Nazi Germany. The Blitzkrieg tactics used to invade other countries so far could not be used effectively as the British channel blocked infantry advance. Britain at this time still had a superior navy compared to the Germans, hence plans to eliminate the RAF, allowing easier destruction of Britain’s ports; and so its navy. Operation Sealion, as it was named, began on 1st July 1940. The following attacks, that lasted until September that year came to be known as the Battle of Britain, won by the British for several reasons.

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The Luftwaffe, led by Herman Goering, had several disadvantages, concerning both tactics and leadership. Primarily, German air force fighters contained only enough fuel for them to cross the channel and have approximately 30 minutes flying time over England. If shot down, the German pilots would become Prisoners of War, whereas RAF pilots could recuperate and return to duty. It has been suggested that Goering did not fully comprehend modern air warfare; Luftwaffe targets were continually shifted, causing confusion amongst pilots- often many didn’t know where their formation was headed.

These German disadvantages did not bode well when coupled ...

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