Canadians in the Battle of Britain | Narrated by Stephen J. Thorne

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, which took place from July to October 1940. Our new Military Moment and the next issue of Canada’s Ultimate Story explore the furious air defence of the British Isles that pitted Spitfires against Messerschmitts, and the role of Canadians who flew and fought. Germany’s air force attacked military and civilian targets from the first day of the war. On July 10, 1940, the Luftwaffe struck hard at Great Britain, attempting to soften the country for a land invasion. The Battle of Britain started with Luftwaffe raids on shipping in the English Channel, then on airfields and radar bases. In early September, the attacks shifted again, to London, Coventry and other major cities. More than 100 Canadians and one Newfoundlander served among the 2,900 pilots of the British air force who repulsed the attacks in dramatic air clashes. Meanwhile, the RAF had begun a strategic bombing campaign against German cities on May 11, 1940. From 1942 on, Allied air attacks became increasingly devastating, as new technology and more and better aircraft became available. Some 1,820 Canadians and 740 Newfoundlanders were assigned to Britain’s Royal Air Force at the outset of the Second World War. On newsstands across Canada Aug. 3, 2020.

Narrated by Stephen J. Thorne
Directed/Edited by Adam Tindal
Written by Don Gillmor
Produced by Jennifer Morse, Eric Harris, Jennifer McGill
Graphic Design by Sophie Jalbert
© Canvet Publications 2020

[ericgrossart]

Very brave men. God bless our cousins in Canada. Your loss is not forgotten it is hounered at every memorial where a Canadian fell regardless of what service they where in.

[quietcanadian]

A great generation. Both my uncles were army, and all branches of the Canadian forces served with great courage and distinction! Like some families during the war, my uncle Frank died in the Scheldt in Oct 44 at 19 years old, (Scottish Essex). My young teenage father told us of how his brother never came home, and what it did to grandma and grandpa. Uncle Bazel (medic, Juno beach, The Glens) came home. These amazing people showed what Canadians can do, and we will always remember them...

[dasboot]

Thank you Canada, Aussies, Kiwis, etc.

[marybroen]

Thank you to my Mother's cousin (Ernest) and all others

[Wandering_Canuck]

Good video outlining the role of No 1 (RCAF) Squadron (later 401 Sqn.) in the Battle of Britain. I will add one correction for the sake of historical accuracy. At the time of the Battle of Britain, there was not just the one RCAF squadron in Britain, there were three. No. 1 Squadron was the only RCAF FIGHTER squadron at the time.

My father was an officer in the RCAF from 1934 to 1962. He was an original member of No. 10, renumbered 110 "City of Toronto" Squadron (later 400 Sqn.). It was an Army Co-Operation squadron (ground support and reconnaissance) and was actually the first RCAF squadron to arrive in Britain in early 1940, soon followed by No. 1 (F) Squadron. They were joined in mid-1940 by No. 112 (later 402) Squadron, which was also an Army Co-Operation squadron.

No. 110 and 112 were sent to aid in the Battle of France, but before they could become fully operational, Dunkirk had occurred. So only No. 1 (F) Squadron officially participated in the Battle of Britain, since it was the only operational RCAF squadron at the time with fighter aircraft. However, the other two RCAF squadrons were there and ready in case of a German invasion of Britain to support the 1st Canadian Division on the ground. Lest we forget!

[mechengineer]

As an engineer, I always have the need to mention not to forget the fact that if British aircraft engineers weren't up for the task against their German counterparts, Battle of Britain could have had a different outcome. Spitfire vs BF-109.

[Jarod-vgwq]

Happy Remembrance Day to all veterans and their families.

[jeffthorpe]

Not to seem picky, but there are minor corrections asked for in this. The reference to 'on the night of Sept 15' 1940 is not really correct. That day is commemorated as Battle of Britain Day in the UK. But most German attacks were by day, including Sept 15. There were few airborne interceptions at night in those early times, since the aircraft and equipment to do that did not yet exist. Also note that most RAF fighter squadrons flew the Hawker Hurricane during the Battle of Britain. Number 1 Squadron RCAF flew the Hurricane. I do like the reference to Elsie MacGill and she is commemorated in one of the Heritage minutes which are available on YouTube

[Emtbtoday]

Bit short for some especially for the respect of everyone for our younger generation who don't have a clue on what happened back then! I think my generation was the last to be tought about it in school I'm 35 now and my kids and families kids don't have a clue about any of it, its shocking to me as it's one thi g that I have pride on keeping alive! The memory of the fallen who gave e there lives for us to piss it away today!