The Channel Battles Phase I
Eagle Attack
Phase II
Canadian Contribution
The Blitz
Phase III
The End Of The Battle
Phase IV
100
"Operation Sea Lion" was Hitler's plan for the invasion of Great Britain after the defeat of Dunkirk. In order to conquer England, the German navy needed to dominate the English Channel. This could only be accomplished if Luftwaffe (German Air Force) dominated the airspace over the English Channel.
Why did Hitler plan to take over the English Channel?
100
Germany's main assault on Great Britain took place on August 13, called Eagle Day (Adltertag) by German High Command. Though Luftwaffe (German Air Force) was heavily damaged, it continued to attack with ferocity radar stations, airfields and aircraft factories to destroy Great Britain's chance of fighting in the air and on the ground. The only Canadian Air Force Squadron in the Battle of Britain - No. 1 later renamed 401 squadron was under attack in the southeast of England with the air fields of 11 group.
When did the main attack on Britain take place and what was it called?
100
More than 100 Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) members participated in the Battle of Britain as pilots. An untold number of RCAF members worked as ground crew keeping the fighters flying; sometimes under fire and routinely under pressure.
What was Canada's contribution in the Battle of Britain
100
The Blitz
What is the other name for Phase III?
100
The airman who Churchill referred to "the few" consisted of 2,353 pilots and air crew from Great Britain and 574 from overseas. Poland, New Zealand, Canada, Czechslovakia, Australia, Belgium South Africa, France, Ireland, Jamaica, Southern Rhodesia and Palestinia
Name 10 countries involved in the war against Germany in the Battle of Britain?
200
The battle began in the English Channel on July 10th and lasted for a month. Luftwaffe (German Air Force) attacked convoys in the English Channel and Channel ports. Also attack were radar stations on the south coast of England.
When did the battle begin for the control of the English Channel and how long did it last for?
200
The attacks continued through the month of August and into September. The situation in the 11 group (including Royal Canadian Air Force 401 Squadron) became desperate.
How long did the attacks on Great Britain last during Phase II Eagle Attack?
200
23 Royal Canadian Air Force members died in the Battle of Britain.
How many RCAF members were killed in the Battle Of Britain?
200
Sunday, September 15th was the high point of the battle and is now celebrated as Battle of Britain Day. Germans launched a massive attack on London with 123 bombers escorted by more than 650 fighters. Luftwaffe (German Air Force) suffered huge losses but returned the next day. Fighting was fierce, but Allied airmen were victorious.
When is Battle of Britain Day celebrated?
200
Five hundred and forty-four lost their lives.
How many air force casualties in the war against Germany in the Battle of Britain?
300
Hitler expected Britain to realize their power and "sue for peace" or negotiate. Days passed and Hitler recieved no indication from Britain that they were willing to sue for peace or negotiate. As a result, Hitler decide to launch operation "Sea Lion".
What was Hitler expecting Britain to do after the defeat at Dunkirk and take over of France?
300
On August 20, as Adlerangriff was in full flight, Prime Minister of Britain Winston Churchill delivered his speech praising the airmen fighting in the Battle of Britain.
Who said "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. All hearts go out to the fighter pilots, whose brilliant actions we see with our own eyes day after day?"
300
"Never in history had one nation tried to defeat another from the air." No. 1 Fighter Squadron, RCAF equipped with modern eight gun fighters became the first RCAF to battle Germany bombers. The battle took place over southern England on August 26, 1940. RCAF shot down three enemy planes, damage four others with the loss of one pilot and one plane.
What made this war unique for all those involved?
300
On the night of August 24/25 a Luftwaffe ( German Air Force) aircraft mistakenly dropped its bombs on the city of London. Britain retaliated with more than 80 British bombers raiding Berlin. Hitler rescinded Directive 17 "the war against England is to be destructive attacks against industry and air force targets. I reserve to myself the right to decide on terror attacks as measures of reprisal".
Why did Hitler rescind Directive 17, "ordering disruptive attacks on the population (civilians) and air defense of major British cities, including London by day and night.
300
Replacing experienced pilots had been a significant challenge in the early days. Later in the battle, replacements became less of an issue but the pilots became exhausted and replacement were less experienced.
What was the challenge faced throughout the Battle of Britain for its allies?
400
Newly elected Prime Minister of Great Britain spoke in the British House of Commons. "The Battle of France is Over. The Battle of Britain is about to begin. ... Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this island or lose the war. Let us Therefore brace ourselves to our duties and so bear our selves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, "This was their finest hour."
What was Winston Churchill famous quote? and Where was this quote delivered?
400
Germans decided their attacks on radar stations were not paying off so they discontinued.
Why did Phase II Eagle Attack end?
400
Germans switched to mass daylight raids on London. This gave the 7th British Army Corps (British, Canadian and New Zealand Troops) under the command of General Mc Naughton the needed respite, enabling them to inflict staggering losses on the Luftwaffe. Inability to control the air, Hitler indefinitely postponed Operation Sea Lion. Battle Of Britain was over.
What caused the defeat of the German Air Force, the Luftwaffe?
400
Beginning on September 7th "The Blitz" lasted for 57 nights, with the Battle of Britain in favor of the British though London was being destroyed.
How long did Germany bomb London?
400
As pilots gained experience they were likely to be killed, wounded or mentally exhausted by the strain, or else promoted into other squadrons.
Why were casualties greater with experienced flyers when less inexperienced graduates of Operational Training Units were taking to the air?
500
Britain just lost its principal ally. British troops had just escaped from the German army at the beaches of Dunkirk, France leaving behind most of their equipment. Many of the British troops hadn't received adequate training. The coastline was in threat from German submarine and surface ships and air craft. German air force outnumbered the British three to one.
Why was Britain not ready for battle against Germany?
500
Adlerangriff
What is the German word for Eagle Attack?
500
Royal Canadian Air Force pilots fought in the Battle Of Britain used Spitfires and Hawker Hurricanes.
What were the fighter jets used in The Battle Of Britain by the Royal Canadian Air Force?
500
While the Germans were bombing London, Group 11 in southeast England were able to repair their airfields and radar sites. Group 12 in the Midlands and East Anglia were within striking range of the Germans heading for London. Luftwaffe failed to destroy the Royal Air Force; Hitler postpones Operation Sea Lion and partially disperses the invasion fleet.
What caused the shift in favour of the British winning the Battle of Britain?
500
September 15th, 1940 was a significant since Germany was no longer able to control the skies "Operation Sealion - invasion of Great Britain" could not take place. Luftwaffe (German Airforce) was not going to gain control. The battle continued on into October 12th;"Operation Sealion" would be postponed until 1941.
When did the Battle of Britain end?
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