The Battle of Britain The Battle of Britain [SIZE=+2]B[/SIZE]y June of 1940, the Germans had occupied most of Europe and began to set their sights on Britain. Their plan was to first have their Air Force destroy the British Royal Air Force (RAF) and then, once they had air superiority, to have their Army actually invade Britain if the British did not sign a surrender agreement. The attempt by the Germans to destroy the RAF was known as the "Battle of Britain". It began in early July, 1940 with attacks on Allied shipping in the English Channel. These early attacks gave the Germans a chance to become familiar with RAF air defenses. In early August the Germans began extensive attacks on British air fields and these attacks continued with increasing intensity until early September, with the Germans still unable to defeat the RAF. There were a number of reasons why the Germans were unable to defeat the RAF, among them being: Go to the link above for the rest of the article: Videos: Below is a 5-part video that tells the story of the Battle of Britain: Part 1: Preparation for battle -- (28.0 MB wmv file) Part 2: Germans attack shipping in the English Channel -- (27.1 MB wmv file) Part 3: Germans begin attacking British air fields -- (26.7 MB wmv file) Part 4: German attacks against British air fields intensify -- (27.5 MB wmv file) Part 5: The Germans change tactics and attack London -- (24.8 MB wmv file) View some RAF gun camera footage from the Battle of Britain -- (7.5 MB wmv file)
John "Dobbin" Young It now seems you have answered a question I have been looking for for some time. I started researching my family tree and was then caught up with the exploits of my family during WW2 and It was Mr Young who had planted the seed of interest in WW2 in me. This was due to him telling stories to us when we were looking a little fed up in class. Mr Young as we new him was my geography teacher at Eastfield school from 1972-1977 and he was great. We had never had anyone who took a class in that way even though I think there were at least 6 teachers who had clearly been involved. He caught our imagination every time, of course all the films had been released by then so we thought we new all about it but Mr Young bought it to life. This Bank Holiday with nothing to do the TV went on and The Battle of Britain was due to start I watched it and was again reminded of him when it finished I got straight to my computer and decided to see if I could find him to thank. It was a little strange as straight after on the other side was Anzio where my Grandfather had been after been in North Africa. Then later on a programme Monte Casino was mentioned where again family where involved. I eventualy found this site and while looking at the details posted I found that unfortunetly Wing Commander John Reginald Cass Young AFC 249 Sqaudron Yorkshire Hurricanes was no longer with us. How sad as I know I saw his name in the Daily Mail at the time of the Anniversary I do so wish I had done something then. That is my regret but Thank You very much Mr Young you were great.
Welcome Martine It must have been fantastic having such a great man as a teacher Royal Air Force Officers 1939-1945 -- Y (first entry)
Welcome Martine. Thank you for taking the time to relate the story. Not many youngsters would hav had that education straight from the horses mouth. Cheers Geoff
I almost hate to keep doing this...my war stories and I didnt go to war... I have to be the only serving at the time RAF guy who really shouldn't have been in RAF. Proved correct by my remustering to RMP later in life. So on night shift below ground in Wiltshire one night....few of us took our break and searched the tunnels around Corsham in Wiltshire...as we tended to do...a living museum, and still there no matter what we are led to believe. Blundered into the plotting room of 10 GP. RAF Box, must have been 1979 or there abouts...Meant nothing to me really. But to few others who guessed what it was and were we were it was talk city....I wish I had taken more interest and even a camera, but although I may have got away with the interest I dont think I would have got away with the camera. It must still be down there, hidden away. A shame some of these places are not opened up. That whole area is a minefield of history.
Welcome, Martine, and thank you for an insight into how you came to be here. Mr Young certainly had a profound affect on you. I hope he inspires you to find out more about The Battle of Britain and I hope you enjoy it here. I hope it is still down there, urgh.
