June 1940. A defining moment.
2025 marks the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain—a defining moment in the Second World War and in the history of the Royal Air Force.
During the campaign, 544 RAF aircrew lost their lives, with a further 312 personnel killed on the ground as airfields came under attack. It was the first battle fought entirely in the air and marked Nazi Germany’s first significant military defeat.
The Battle of Britain is remembered not only for the courage of “The Few”—the 2,945 aircrew who fought in the skies—but also for the immense support provided by “The Many”; ground crew, radar operators, factory workers, searchlight operators, and countless civilians whose contributions were vital to victory.
Groundcrew refuel a Hurricane of 32 Squadron while the pilot waits in the cockpit, Biggin Hill, August 1940. ©IWM
Spitfires of No. 610 Squadron lying in 'vic' formation, July 1940. ©IWM
Honouring the few who took to the skies
Just 2,937 aircrew took on the might of the Luftwaffe. Immortalised by Churchill, these ‘Few’ hailed from 15 different countries, from Britain and Poland to South Africa and New Zealand. With an average age of only 20, most had only two weeks’ training.
Armed with determination and courage, they took to the skies in their Spitfires and Hurricanes – and changed the course of the Second World War.
Over three and half months of bitter fighting.
Between July and October 1940, the Battle of Britain raged over southern England. Fierce dogfights took place over villages, fields and shoreline, as both sides fought for air supremacy.
The most decisive moment came on Sunday 15th September – now celebrated as Battle of Britain Day. The Luftwaffe made more sorties than on any other day of the battle, and although they destroyed 34 RAF aircraft, they lost 76 of their own in return.
A still from camera gun film shows tracer ammunition from a Spitfire hitting a Heinkel He 111. ©IWM
Civilians and RAF airmen inspect the remains of a Heinkel He 111 which crashed into a house after being shot down over Scotland, July 1940. ©IWM
Paying tribute to “The Many” who played a vital role
In 2025, we invite the public to help commemorate the 85th anniversary by recognising not only the heroism of the RAF pilots but also the vital roles played by the wider support network.
Victory in 1940 was only possible because of the tireless efforts of radar operators, ground crews, factory workers, WAAFs, and countless others across the nation.
It is said that without the ground work of “The Many”, the efforts of “The Few” would not have been as successful.
