Richard Overy

The Battle of Britain

A master historian explores the pivotal battle in the skies of England and its lasting significance.

June 1940: France has fallen to German forces in a mere six weeks, joining eight other European states in German occupation. British forces have suffered severe losses in the defeat. Hitler is confident of reaching a political settlement that will end hostilities with Britain. Indeed, there is sentiment for peace with Hitler among the British leadership, but Churchill and his supporters have no intention of surrender. In July Hitler orders his armed forces to begin preparations for an invasion of England. In Churchill's words, "the Battle of France is over. I expect the battle of Britain is about to begin."

Hitler's plan was to establish German control of the skies over southern England, thereby forcing Britain to the peace table or preparing the way for "Operation Sealion," the invasion of England. His air minister, Hermann Goering, commanded a formidable fleet of the world's best fighter aircraft, the Messerschmitt Me 109, piloted by the cream of the German Air Force. The British defense, commanded by Sir Hugh Dowding, mustered the cutting edge of fighter technology, Hurricanes and Spitfires, flown by a steady supply of newly trained fighter pilots. From the Filter Room at Command Headquarters outside London, Fighter Command monitored radar relays on enemy actions and responded with flexibility and power.

Through the summer of 1940 the German Air Force waged an assault on Fighter Command, attacking its forces in the air and on the ground, bombing airfields and cities. But Fighter Command withstood the blow and returned battle in what became an extended, deadly war of attrition. In September Hitler announced that the German Air Force would concentrate the attack on British cities, especially London. From September 7, bombs fell on London day and night, but the Blitz was the turning point. Fighter Command attacked the overstretched German bombers relentlessly, causing them unsustainable losses. Although the nighttime bombing of British cities continued, popular morale proved strong. The German leadership realized that there would be no knockout blow, no early settlement with Britain. The Battle of Britain marked the end of Germany's string of victories. The Royal Air Force had forestalled a German invasion, kept Britain in the war, and strengthened the determination of the people to fight.

In his brilliant, concise account, Richard Overy shrewdly analyzes every element of the battle on both sides, from the men and machines who fought and the tactics they employed to the leadership and their strategies. With penetrating insight he clarifies the significance of this pivotal moment for Britain and the world.

"It is hard to imagine a sounder and more succinct account of the Battle of Britain." —Max Hastings, Evening Standard

"Richard Overy is the Douglas Bader of the historical profession; and The Battle is a direct hit. . . . No pocket should be without a copy." —Niall Ferguson, Daily Telegraph

"No individual British victory after Trafalgar was more decisive in changing the course of a major war than was the Battle of Britain. . . . In his carefully argued, clearly explained and impressively documented book, Richard Overy is at pains to dispose of the myths and expose the real history of what he does not doubt was a great British victory . . . the best historical analysis in readable form which has yet appeared on this prime subject." —Noble Frankland, The Times Literary Supplement

"Masterly. . . . The Battle of Britain packs a devastating punch. Such is Professor Overy's grasp of the historical detail that he is able to puncture with pinpoint accuracy the myths that now obscure this pivotal event. . . . Wise, informed and measured. No conclusions are jumped to, no prejudices left unchallenged." —John Yates, Yorkshire Post

"An admirably clear, concise and level-headed 'post-revisionist' history of the Battle of Britain. . . . Overy believes that 'the consequences of British abdication in 1940 would have been a calamity not just for the British people but for the world as a whole'. He makes a convincing case." —Tim Clayton, Daily Mail

"A masterful account of the Battle of Britain . . . provides a perfect introduction to a complicated story." —Richard Mullen, Contemporary Review

"As an objective reassessment of this most critical of struggles, cogently argued and concisely written, The Battle of Britain is hard to beat." —Saul David, Sunday Telegraph