British civilians worked together to try and plan for what was soon to be. They worked as a nation to try and stay safe. Volunteers on London streets impersonated the victims of imaginary bombs in an air-raid drill (Battle Of Britain). The citizens went to great lengths to be prepared; people that worked in the carpet cleaning business had to wear gas masks and a gas proof overalls at all times (ibid). Churchill tried to make people aware and help “millions of new workers will be needed, and more than a million women must come bodily forward into our war industries”(ibid).Home guardsman wore roller blades, this was so they could speed down the streets in an emergency (ibid). This may sound crazy to use Canadians but this is what reality had changes to for them. The Battle in it’s Self
We can’t imagine what it would have been like being bombed constantly and having to be scared for your life as well as your families. The 1st Canadian division was the only formation in Britain with enough equipment to meet German army’s (War Museum). We as Canadians should be proud that we could help our ally Britain in their time of need. History was made between July 10th-October 31st the battle was the first in history to be fought wholly in the air (ibid). The battle was the largest and most sustained bombing campaign (ibid). The Spitfire and Hurricane were two of the British planes that helped with the survival of Britain (BBC History- The Battle of Britain). The Hurricane shot down nearly 100 enemy aircraft (ibid). On August 12th the Luftwaffe (German Plane) struck at Britain attacking the radar stations and bombing the airfields (Canadians at War). At the end of October Germany launched bomber raids aimed at the heart of London (Canadian War Museum). The battle was extremely destructive buildings were demolished and people were scared. Unable to control the air Hitler indefinitely postponed the operation and the Battle of Britain was over (Canada at War). Churchill broadcasted over the radio to the United States saying what was going on, this was also a major part in why Hitler stopped his plan (Love Hate and Propaganda). It is hard to imagine that something like this is possible but it is. Let’s hope that it never happens to us.
Quotes by Wiston Churchill throughout the Battle of Britain
"Success is not final...failure is not fatal...it's the courage to continue that counts."
"You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something in your life".
"As long as we have faith in our own cause and an unconquerable will to win, victory will not be denied us."
"Sucess is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm."
- Winston Churchill
Questions
1. How did the Luftwaffe plan on defeating the RAF?
2. What was Lietenant-Colonel Woodrow W exsperience in the Battle of Britain ?
3. How was the Battle of Britain significant to the daily lives of the Birtish civilans?
November 1st, 1940 Dear Editor,
I am happy to report that the bombing in Britain has come to an abrupt end. Some have called this a miracle, but to me it feels like a dream. The entire bombing of Britain seems as though I have only imagined it, but it has been the most vivid dream I have ever woken up from; I can remember every moment. The people of Britain continued on with their lives as though we were completely safe from all danger bestowed on us by the Germans. Churchill provided reassurance throughout the bombing; the citizens found hope and stability in his words (LHP). I was glad for this; a frightened nation can be just as dangerous as war itself.
I am a flightier pilot for the Canadian forces. Among myself were one-hundred other Canadian pilots ready for battle in Britain once the bombing began (MacLeod, 57). During our time in Britain, twenty-three of our own soldiers were shot down and killed while fighting in duty (ibid). Fighting in the air against the Germans was the most terrifying form of combat I have ever endured during my time in the air forces. “We fought far above the clouds in a world of our own - a world of freezing cold, of limitless space traced with white plumed trails of wheeling aircraft as they fought”(MacLeod,57). As terrifying as my experiences in the air were, the most freighting sight is what is left of Britain. Churchill kept spirits high, but this didn’t stop the destruction that was a result of the bombing. Many people were killed, innocent civilians – children (LHP). I’m returning home tomorrow, I can’t bear to look at the devastation any longer; the destruction continues to feel like a nightmare.
The battle started on July 10th, when the Luftwaffe attempted to gain control of the Straits of Dover (Trueman). The German’s objective with the Luftwaffe was to pull the RAF into a violent battle, hoping to destroy the RAF and all chances we had at defending ourselves (Ibid). Proudly, we fought with great strength and agility in the air; by the end of July the RAF had lost 150 aircraft while the Luftwaffe had lost 260 (ibid). In August the Luftwaffe began attacking Fighter Command’s airfields, operation rooms and radar stations (ibid). The Germans objective was to destroy the RAF on the ground, preventing any battles in the air (Ibid). Without radar the RAF would be at a great disadvantage when warning fighter planes of incoming enemy and the destruction of operation rooms would prevent communications between fighter bases and those at battle (Ibid). We lost many respectable soldiers in the process; I am proud to say I fought amongst many brave comrades.
As I begin my journey home I think about the hardships that are a result of war, but I also remember that the glory that comes with the strong spirit of our mother country will burn brighter after our successes.
Sincerely, Warren Lippai
Canadian For Victor Our very own Lieutenant-Colonel Woodrow W. Coward has returned home to Canada (Woodrow Coward). For those who do not know our Canadians finest, he is from British Columbia and has just come home from his frightening time in Britain (ibid). He has written an article for us about himself and his experience in The Battle of Britain.
My first introduction to war was the Battle of Britain and boy oh boy it sure was a scary one (ibid). I remember being excited to join the army, everyone was so proud (ibid) All you would hear was air- raid sirens go off and hear clumps of bombs hit land (ibid). Then of course you would hear the sound of fire vehicles and ambulances coming (ibid). You get used to hearing those sounds after awhile. Young men do not like to show fear, they keep it inside them so no one knows the fear they hide inside (ibid). I felt as if I was ashamed of my fear because everyone around me had the same threats and they dealt with it (ibid). It is not just the sound and vibrations that make me remember. I remember the smell of sadness and tears of the people all around me. Old and young died uncontrollably. People were buried alive those are the things I do not forget. I am proud and honored that I could serve and represent my Country Canada!