10 July in military history: Battle of Britain begins, 1940

Quick answer

On 10 July 1940 German bombers and fighters attacked British shipping in the Channel, and RAF Fighter Command rose to meet them. Britain counts that day, chosen by Fighter Command's chief Sir Hugh Dowding, as the first of the Battle of Britain, which lasted until 31 October. On 10 July 1943 the Allies landed in Sicily.

The Battle of Britain, 1940: the few

10 July to 31 October 1940 · 86 years ago

Britain's Royal Air Force won the Battle of Britain between July and October 1940, denying Germany the air superiority it needed to invade. It was the first great battle fought entirely in the air, and Germany's failure to destroy the RAF forced it to abandon the planned invasion.

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Battle of Beachy Head, 1690: the Dutch van left to fight alone

10 July 1690 · 336 years ago

Off Beachy Head on the south coast of England, Tourville's French fleet fought an Anglo-Dutch fleet under the Earl of Torrington in the Nine Years' War. The French won without losing a ship but did not press their advantage, and the allies withdrew to the Thames.

Read the full story of Battle of Beachy Head, 1690: the Dutch van left to fight alone ›

Also on this day

1947: King George VI attended the dedication of the RAF Chapel in Westminster Abbey, dedicated to the airmen killed in the battle. Its window by Hugh Easton carries the badges of the fighter squadrons that took part.¹

Frequently asked questions

Why does the Battle of Britain start on 10 July 1940?

Sir Hugh Dowding chose the date "somewhat arbitrarily" in his despatch, because that day the Germans sent their first really big formation to bring Fighter Command to battle. The 1941 Air Ministry account began the battle on 8 August, but 10 July to 31 October became the official dates, and the Ministry of Defence still uses them.

When do German accounts date the start?

The German Historical Museum's LeMO portal dates the start to 13 August 1940, the day Collier calls Eagle Day. Collier's official history says that from the German viewpoint a preliminary phase began soon after the middle of July.

What happened on 10 July 1940?

German aircraft attacked British shipping. Dowding counted a German formation of 70 aircraft, the first really big one sent to bring his fighters to battle, and Collier describes about twenty bombers with some forty fighters attacking a convoy off Dover.

How many aircraft did No. 303 Squadron shoot down?

The IPN says it was credited with 126, and the Polish Senate that its pilots shot down 110. The IPN adds that post-war checks against German records showed that Allied pilots seriously overestimated their victories.

What happened in Sicily on 10 July 1943?

Allied assault divisions began coming ashore in the early hours, from Avola to Licata. The British airborne landing went badly, with many gliders lost at sea.

Sources

Jeremy A. Crang (University of Edinburgh), “Identifying the 'Few': The Personalisation of a Heroic Military Elite”, reproduced by the Battle of Britain London Monument, with notes to The National Archives AIR 2/6723 and AIR 72/29, Cmd. 6633 and Cmd. 6833

Westminster Abbey, “Battle of Britain 80th anniversary”, unsigned page