Battle of Britain 80th Anniversary Clothing Released
Build Up the Battle of Britain
Throughout the Summer of 1940, the skies over Southern England were full of duelling aircraft. The ‘Battle of Britain’ was in full swing. The German air campaign was intended as a prelude to a full invasion of England. Following the fall of France earlier in 1940, German high command saw air superiority as essential before any invasion of England. The Royal Air Force had to be destroyed.
The German war machine was highly experienced and well equipped after gaining useful experience in the Spanish Civil War. On the other hand, much of Britains fighting capability was untested and initially inadequate. The swift fall of Europe and the ensuing retreat, culminating in the Dunkirk evacuations, had left Britain reeling.
Over 400 experienced pilots were lost during the Fall of France leaving an already undermanned and inexperienced Air Force potentially weak and exposed.
Summer 1940 – Englands Skies Were Full of Aircraft
The Battle of Britain, was in reality, a series of events and phases over the Summer of 1940. There isn’t a clearly defined start date and the phases, with a couple of noted exceptions, blended into each other.
The Luftwaffe commenced a co-ordinated series of air raids over England in early – mid June 1940 and this is recognised as ‘the start’.
A series of raids on Channel shipping in July and August caused heavy losses to RAF aircraft and crews. The Navy stopped all daylight convoy moves as a result but both sides gained valuable experience.
Early August 1940 saw the launch of Adlerangriff or Eagle Day. This was German High Commands concerted attempt to destroy the RAF in Southern England. The anticipation being it would clear the way for attacking RAF bases further North and heavy bombing raids on economic and strategic targets throughout England.
18th August 1940 became known as The Hardest Day and saw the heaviest losses on both sides.
The Aircraft
The main fighter aircraft were the Luftwaffe Messerschmitt ME 109E and the Royal Air Force Hurricane and Spitfire.
Many believe the Spitfire was the main RAF aircraft during the Battle of Britain. In reality the Hawker Hurricane was the backbone of the Royal Air Force at that time. Greater numbers of Spitfires became available as 1940 progressed and did eventually help turn the tide in the Royal Air Forces favour.
In the very early days of the battle, Defiants and Blenheims were used in large numbers but were quickly deemed unsuitable against the potent ME109s and BF110s. Losses of these types were very high in terms of aircrew and aircraft.
Luftwaffe bombers incvluded Heinkel 111s, JU87 Stukas, Dornier DO 17s and Junckers JU88s.
The Emergence of ‘The Few’
The Royal Air Force remained steadfast against the continuing raids. The task of repelling relentless German waves of experienced aircrew with technically superior aircraft was to become the stuff of legend.
Winston Churchill immortalised the aircrew with his famous speech –
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THE FEW
Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.
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Battle of Britain 80th Anniversary Clothing Designs
I feel its important to remember and commemorate the huge sacrifices and bravery made by our veterans and have released 4 embroidered commemorative designs –
- 80th Anniversary ‘The Few’ Design
- 80th Anniversary ‘Adversary’ design 1 – Hurricane and Heinkel HE111
- 80th Anniversary ‘Adversary’ design 2 – Spitfire and Messerschmitt ME109
- 80th Anniversary Aircrew Design
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80th Anniversary ‘The Few’ Design
A 56 Squadron Spitfire ZP-E and 74 Squadron Hurricane US-X complete with ‘The Few’ and Battle of Britain 80 wording
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Hurricane vs Heinkel HE111
A 74 Squadron Hurricane US-X and Heinkel HE111 aircraft with Battle of Britain 80 wording
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Spitfire vs Messerchmitt ME109
A 56 Squadron Spitfire ZP-E with ME109E aircraft with Battle of Britain 80 wording
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Battle of Britain 80 ‘Aircrew’ Design
A 615 Squadron Hurricane KW-Z overflying a resting aircrew
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Which Garments Are These Battle of Britain Commemorative Designs Available On?
The Few and both ‘Adversary’ designs will be available on all of our standard clothing garments and bags.
The ‘Aircrew’ design is by far the largest and most complex embroidery released by us so far.
It will be available on the back of our Varsity and Fleece jackets.
Our Latest Battle of Britain Gifts
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Classic Military Aircraft Updates
The Hurricane and Spitfire will be added as options to our extremely popular Classic Military Aircraft range.
If you arent aware, I have a growing range of aircraft types available which depict aircraft and their service dates. The range is extremely popular and the design can be fully personalised with your choice of Squadron colours, aircraft coding and wording.
Just last week I did a repeat order for a Buccaneer Veteran with personalised Red Flag detailing and also a 31 Squadron Tornado GR1 veteran!
The Heinkel HE111 and Messerschitt ME109 designs will be the first non Royal Air Force aircraft types added to the Classic Military Aircraft range.
If you have any questions regarding any of these designs, please dont hesitate to contact me.
Thanks for reading and stay safe
Cheers
Gary
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