“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” With these words Winston Churchill paid tribute to the men of the Royal Air Force who defended Britain against the German air assault in the autumn of 1940. Only months after the retreat from Dunkirk, Britain faced perhaps the darkest days of the entire war as the Luftwaffe launched an all-out bombardment intended to pave the way for a German invasion. For the first time in the history of warfare, an entire battle was fought in the air: the Battle of Britain took place between 10 July and 31 October 1940, reaching its climax in mid-September when the German bombers began to blitz London. By the end of the battle, the RAF had lost 911 aircraft with 414 pilots killed; Luftwaffe losses totaled 1,733 aircraft.
Stamps designed by David Gentleman, RDI (b.1930) and Rosalind Dease (b.1928); and Andrew Restall (1931–2024). Printed by Harrison & Sons Ltd., and issued 13 September 1965.
Great Britain