The Hidden Truth of WWII episode 2: During the summer of 1940, the world held its breath and watched, as the British RAF and German Luftwaffe were locked in a battle to the death. The German Nazi war machine had conquered all in its path, only Britain stood in its way to total European domination.
The Battle of Britain was a pivotal moment in World War II, where the Royal Air Force (RAF) defended the United Kingdom against the German Luftwaffe. It was fought from July to October 1940, and it was the first major campaign to be fought entirely by air forces. The battle marked the first time the Allies stopped the Axis powers from achieving a strategic goal, and it was a turning point in the war. In this article, we will discuss the key events of the Battle of Britain, its significance, and its impact on the rest of the war.
The Hidden Truth recounts the moments of key battles in the European and Pacific theaters through the use of recently unearthed reconnaissance photos that were taken during the actual battle as well as in the days and weeks prior. Interviews with men on both sides of each battle offer a fresh look at the war. This series offers an unprecedented viewpoint of famous battles in Europe during WWII, using recently unearthed reconnaissance photos that were taken during the actual battles.
For over 60 years these photographs have remained lost, or forgotten…until now. For the first time these original high-resolution images allow the viewer to track the battle, step by step from the air. Individual stories of courage and heroism can be placed in the exact location where they took place. Using cutting edge technology, unique archive film, re-enactments and extraordinary interviews with the men who were there The Lost Evidence offers a new perspective on history.
The Hidden Truth of WWII episode 2
The Beginning of the Battle
The Battle of Britain began on July 10, 1940, when the Germans launched a massive air attack against the UK. The Luftwaffe had already gained control over most of Europe, and Hitler saw Britain as the last obstacle to complete domination of the continent. The Germans planned to destroy the RAF and gain air superiority over the UK, which would allow them to launch a ground invasion.
The RAF was outnumbered and outgunned, with only 640 aircraft, compared to the Luftwaffe’s 2,600 planes. However, the RAF had several advantages, including radar technology, which allowed them to detect incoming enemy aircraft and quickly scramble their fighters. The RAF also had highly skilled pilots and ground crews who were able to repair and maintain their planes quickly.
The Battle Intensifies
As the battle continued, the Germans intensified their attacks, targeting key military installations, airfields, and cities. The RAF responded with fierce resistance, shooting down hundreds of German planes and inflicting heavy losses. The turning point of the battle came on August 15, 1940, when the RAF launched a massive counter-attack against the Luftwaffe. The Germans suffered heavy losses, and Hitler was forced to cancel his plans for a ground invasion of the UK.
The significance of the Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain was a significant turning point in World War II. It was the first time the Allies had stopped the Axis powers from achieving a strategic goal. The victory in the Battle of Britain gave the Allies a much-needed boost in morale and proved that Hitler’s war machine was not invincible. It also prevented Germany from achieving air superiority over the UK, which would have allowed them to launch a ground invasion.
The Battle of Britain also demonstrated the importance of air power in modern warfare. The battle was fought entirely by air forces, and it showed that air superiority was essential for victory. The RAF’s use of radar technology and highly skilled pilots and ground crews also demonstrated the importance of technological advancements and well-trained personnel in modern warfare.
The Impact on the Rest of the War – The Hidden Truth of WWII episode 2
The Battle of Britain had a significant impact on the rest of the war. It forced Hitler to postpone his plans for a ground invasion of the UK, which allowed the Allies to regroup and prepare for future battles. It also forced Hitler to shift his focus to the Eastern Front, where the Germans were engaged in a brutal war with the Soviet Union.
The Battle of Britain also paved the way for the Allied invasion of Europe, which ultimately led to the defeat of Germany. The lessons learned in the battle, such as the importance of air power and technological advancements, were applied in future battles, including the D-Day invasion.
In The Hidden Truth of WWII episode 2 you will find answers to this questions:
- What was the Battle of Britain?
- Why was the Battle of Britain significant in World War II?
- How did the Battle of Britain impact the rest of the war?
- What were the key events of the Battle of Britain?
- What lessons were learned from the Battle of Britain?
