October 2024 - Magazine - Page 21
continued from page 19
On 24th August, with British airfields on their knees, a German bomber
accidentally bombed London. Churchill responded by ordering the retaliatory
bombing of Berlin.
On 7th September the London bombing or Blitz began, crucially diverting the
bombing away from the airfields. This was the turning point in the Battle of
Britain.
On 15th September, now known as Battle of Britain Day, the enemy launched
another assault which they believed would finally shatter Fighter Command’s
resistance and open the way for an invasion. However, defences had recovered,
fighter production continued and operational pilot strength was at its highest. The
enemy offensive came in two distinct waves, giving British aircraft time to refuel
and rearm. It was a day of heavy and sustained fighting and the Nazis suffered
some of their highest losses of the entire campaign. It was obvious to both
sides that German tactics had failed and the Luftwaffe had not gained the air
supremacy they needed for an invasion. Fighting continued for another few weeks,
but the action on 15th September was seen as an overwhelming and decisive
defeat for the Luftwaffe, from which it never fully recovered.
The enemy’s failure to defeat the RAF and secure control of the skies over
southern England made invasion all but impossible. This British victory was
decisive, significantly due to Dowding’s Integrated Air Defence System. Britain
was able to stay in the war, to live to fight another day.
Ted Fisher
Chairman
Brenchley & Matfield Local History Society
The Pantiles Christmas Market
Friday 15th November 2024 - Tuesday 24th December 2024
Thursday-Sunday: 10am -7pm until December 22nd
Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th 10am-7pm
This Christmas, the Pantiles will be
transformed into a spectacular winter
wonderland with festive pitches, live
entertainment, Santa’s Grotto and Light
Switch On event.
For more information see the events section of
the pantiles.com website.
21
