Battle of Britain

American  

noun

1. (in World War II) the series of aerial combats that took place between British and German aircraft during the autumn of 1940 and that included the severe bombardment of British cities.

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Battle of Britain British  

noun

1. from August to October 1940, the prolonged bombing of S England by the German Luftwaffe and the successful resistance by the RAF Fighter Command, which put an end to the German plan of invading Britain

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Example Sentences

The RAF operation comes 85 years after the Battle of Britain, when Polish pilots fought alongside the RAF to thwart sustained German air attacks in Britain's skies during World War Two.

From BBC • Sep. 20, 2025

A fatal crash involving a Spitfire in Lincolnshire last week meant the planned RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was cancelled.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2024

His colleagues said he was the "epitome of a military fighter pilot, he personified the very best of the Royal Air Force and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight".

From BBC • May 31, 2024

William and Kate said on their Kensington Palace X account: “Our thoughts this evening are with the pilot’s loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the wider RAF family.”

From BBC • May 26, 2024

It was before the disastrous May when the Allies fled, retreating to the French beaches, before the siege that was the Battle of Britain, before the thunder and flame-filled nights of the Blitz.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein