Battle of Britain, during World War II, the successful defense of Great Britain against unremitting and destructive air raids conducted by the German air force (Luftwaffe) from July through September 1940, after the fall of France.

The Battle of Britain fizzled out in late-October 1940, when Hitler abandoned his quest for control of British airspace and turned his attention toward attacking the Soviet Union.

The Battle of Britain was a major air campaign fought over southern England in the summer and autumn of 1940. Here are 8 things you need to know about one of Britain’s most important victories of the Second World War.

Here are 8 facts about the battle that saved Britain. 1. The battle was part of a longer-term invasion plan by the Nazis. Codenamed Operation ‘Sealion’, Hitler ordered planning to begin for an invasion of Britain on 2 July 1940.