In the summer of 1940, France had fallen and Hitler set his sights on Britain. Fighters and bombers of the Luftwaffe targeted RAF bases in an attempt to destroy Fighter Command, gain air superiority and pave the way for an invasion. Contrary to Hitler's expectations, though, the RAF did not fold under pressure, and German losses were heavy.
In September the Luftwaffe switched from attacking airfields to bombing London, giving the RAF the chance it needed to rebuild its strength. On September 15th the RAF destroyed an estimated 185 German planes over England, and on the 19th Hitler's plans for the invasion of Britain ('Operation Sealion') were postponed indefinitely.
Thank you to the brave men and women who kept the Spitfires and Hurricanes flying: the pilots, the mechanics, the WAAFs, the factory workers, radio and radar operators, backroom boys and all the others.
