Years ago, back in India, I worked as Secretary to an ex-RAF pilot. He told me, please don't ask me about the War. I lost my family in the Battle of Britain. R.I.P Sir. The world owes a deep debt of gratitude to men like you.
Dame Vera Lynn was a bit more than an eyewitness, wouldn't you say? She kept British spirits lifted, even in the darkest days. Her contribution shouldn't be ignored or diminished.
@@vicsaul5459 If I'm 40, and American, yet I know who she is and her contribution (mostly because of Pink Floyd, ngl), then this seems indicative of a shameful lack of research.
There's alot of severely lacking research on UA-cam, this uploader makes no mention that this video is a direct copy from a TV documentary first broadcast in the early 1970s,
@@vicsaul5459 Thank You for the date , I was wondering at the start when the People were Interviewed . I had an English Teacher in High School who was ARP in London at this time , I instantly thought about Him While listening to the Descriptions .
After years of programs about WWII on the History Channel, I thought I had watched enough, but these videos bring so much more human perspective to the war, and do it without being overly dramatic or exploitative. It is much appreciated.
You are one of the numerous victims of the western regimes propaganda and brain washing. The RAF did NOT save Britain: Germany lost WW2 but the N4z!s won: they are in power in the western nations (US of A, the UK, Kanada, AusJalia etc...) So much for "democracy"! These are NOT "democracies! I call them "demoNcracies" dominated by lobbyists (Oligarchs). The western nations are Oligarchies at the top (aka Kakistocracies) and "Idiocraties" at the lower strata of society in these countries. Lobbying is legal theft. The global west regimes support the N4z! regime in Ukraine.
I agree 💯 with your statement. There's in-depth human expressions by line soldiers, a thing which powers that be had kept away from general public. More realistic
I did most of my high school in an English international boarding school near Plymouth and sometimes I would have to be in the study hall and in the study hall they had these little books kind of like dreamstore novels. They were books about fighter pilots and the spitfires that they flew. And usually with a romantic twist there's the pilot and his lady. I loved reading those books. It was a respite from the boarding school life. There's lots of good history in that country. And there are lots of nice people especially in the country.
LOTS OF LOVE FROM INDIA. Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck, former Commander-in-Chief, India, stated that Britain "couldn't have come through both wars [World War I and II] if they hadn't had the Indian Army." During the Second World War (1939-1945), India was a part of the British Empire. India, as a part of the Allied Nations, sent over two and a half million soldiers to fight under British command against the Axis powers. India also provided the base for American operations in support of China in the China Burma India Theater.
Wonderful doc and from this English elderly woman born after the war, I can only imagine what courage those young man showed , a heartfelt salute to them all
Radar plus organization plus Spitfire plus great airmen plus bravery beyond belief was a big part of the victory. Goering plus Heinkels plus stupidity plus no radar equals failure. The first of the few !
A thousand greetings, great respect and admiration for your esteemed and wonderful channel, which provided accurate and useful information. I wish you lasting success. A wonderful work and a great effort that deserves pride, appreciation and pride. My utmost respect and appreciation to you
As dire as the situation was, British high command was confident that they would survive the attack by the Luftwaffe. Indeed, after the war, Churchill wrote in his memoirs that the ONLY thing that ever scared him in the war was the Uboat menace.
We seemed to have forgotten that the German invasion force would have had to cross the Channel I think the Royal Navy would have had something to say about that
Churchill and the British didn't even have the decency to allow these brave Polish fighter pilots who Saved England to March in the Victory parade day in England. Because Churchill didn't want to insult Joseph Stalin. And the Most Decorated Military Unit in U.S. History was The 442nd Infantry Regiment (Japanese: And go look and see how the Americans treated them and their families. The British and Americans have no shame, indeed.
A few points: Firstly Polish fighter pilots did not save England, they contributed to the country's defence alongside British, Commonwealth and other nationalities. Secondly Churchill was voted out of office in the summer of 1945 almost a year before the victory parade in the summer of 1946. Finally the Polish pilots were invited to the victory parade but did not attend in protest at the invite not being extended to all Polish combatents.
The Victory Parade you talk about was for BRITISH Military personnel only, BRITISH, OK. BUT, The Government sent invitations to EVERY country that were our Allies, to ask if they would like to send a Flag Party, so the civilians could see the flags of all the Allied countries. THREE countries refused this invitation, The USSR, Yugoslavia, and, any guesses, Poland. The Government then invited Ex Polish military personnel still in the UK, they said they wanted a bigger Flag Party than any of the other participating Nations, The Government, quite rightly refused, As this would not be fair on the other nations, the invitation was not withdrawn, it was still up to the Polish ex services organisations, the invitation was still on the table, THEY decided NOT to attend. And as for the UK not having any "decency" The British Government gave Citizenship to over 250,000 Polish troops, and their families. How is that for not having any "DECENCY"?.
Of the 2,962 allied pilots engaged in the Battle of Britain, 2,421 were RAF (and Fleet Air Arm), 117 were Canadian, 141 were Polish and a further 210 were from ten other countries.
@@rexthomas9879 It would seem they were lumped into that 210 figure along with others like Dutch, Belgian, French, South African pilots. Strangely Sailor Malan was not mentioned, the South African had 38 kills during the Battle of Britain. It is irksome that in these documentaries that the Commonwealth members are just lumped in with Britain rather than identified by name.
@@tophat2115 But they're not "lumped in" usually try this for example..... ua-cam.com/video/dmsXyJgzk-8/v-deo.html and where did you get Adolph "Sailor" Malan's ridicuous kill Tally of 38? That was the TOTAL kill tally for 74 Sqd of which Malan was Squadron leader. If you've utterly NO IDEA of what you're talking about,why come spouting rubbish instead?
This is a very important addition to the other Docs that I have seen that cover this phase of the Battle. The eye witness accounts add another dimension to the more clinical details available elsewhere.
@@MarkHarrison733 No, Ireland was technically neutral but in effect helped the allies, albeit on the QT. German airmen interned, British airmen returned. Irish fire brigade helping Northern Irish cities. Allowing access to the ‘Donegal Corridor’. Irish met office info to Britain. Irish soldiers, sailors and airmen in British armed forces. Irish munitions worker’s and Irish labourers repairing RAF landing fields. Food supplies (ironic when you consider the famine) Plan ‘W’ an agreement between Britain and Ireland allowing Britain to occupy Ireland if there was a German invasion. Viscount Cranbourne stated at war’s end that the Irish government had ‘…been willing to accord to us any facilities which would not be regarded as overtly prejudicing their attitude to neutrality’. And M E Collins said that Ireland was ‘more friendly than strict neutrality should have allowed’.
This reminded me of the excellent movie "The Battle of Britain" with memorable rousing music from Ron Goodwin. I noticed this doc used some scenes from the movie. An interesting bit of trivia....Wing Commander Stanford Tuck and Lieutenant General Adolf Galland who were technical advisers on the movie, both became life long friends after the war. Douglas Bader was also friends with Lt Galland.
It was, to a large extent, down to VHF radio and primitive radar. It aslo included the work of the Royal Observer Corps, and more. The winner was Dowding's system which filtered and passed the vital information to where it mattered. It was really a huge and successful intelligence gathering system which could work in near real time. The Germans, at the same stage in the war, had radar that was superior to ours, but did not have the system to quickly make use of the information that that system provided.
The Brits developed the first practical radar system, then designed and manufactured some of the best planes in WW2, the Spitfire and Hurricane, which were critical for the Battle of Brirain and then later on the Mosquito, which is my favourite plane of WW2. Pretty impressive what they achieved when you think about it.
Britain would also have had the first and undoubtedly one of the best Supersonic Jet Fighters, the TSR2, had the UK Government of the day, not caved, in to US bullying and blackmail. Britain in the early 1960s was broke, and the government needed loans from the US. The price, stop research and development of the TSR2!
@@MarkHarrison733 I disagree. Unlike the Allies, Germany had no heavy bombers like the Lancaster, and despite the Fockawolf, could not match the later versions of Spitfires, Mustangs, Tempests an Hawker Sea Fury, which was the fastest piston engine fighter at the end of the War. Admitedly, their Tiger and Panzer Tanks were better than what the allies had. In truth, the jet-engined Messerschmitt would, had enough numbers been made, be a serious threat, although by that time the Gloucester Meteor would have matched it.
Little known fact that the Battle of Britain was heavily reliant upon and won by Poles in the RAF as both 303 and 304 squadrons were Polish pilots also Pilots from other occupied countries continued fighting as RAF aircrew.
Hardly heavily reliant. Of the Seventy fighter squardons only five were "commonwealth and allied squadrons". No. 1 Sqdn Canadian No's 302 & 303 Sqdn's Polish No's 310 & 312 Sqdn's Czech The Pol's and Czech's did punch above their weight, especially the Czech's. But they weren't a descisive factor.
None of the people who fought in those battles are alive anymore, and pretty soon, even the children who witnessed it will be dead. WW2 will no longer be part of our collective memory, as no one who witnessed it will be alive. All we are left with are rows of crosses-- a generation that sacrificed everything. How can we even begin to understand how thankful we should be?
Its a great story, but it’s a fallacy. Britain was not under immediate threat of invasion. The Royal Navy was far too powerful. The Germans were not even strong enough to prevent evacuation from Dunkirk.
The channel could have been secured but the cost to the royal navy would have been immense, perhaps even fatal. Given the losses incurred by the Royal Navy during the Dunkirk evacuation, the potential of the fleet to be decimated was very real. The channel basically leaves no room for larger vessels so it would basically be a destroyer and aircraft battle
A wonderful channel that deserves a thousand thousand greetings, great admiration and greater respect. Your esteemed channel is full of very accurate and useful information. Your effort is remarkable and great. I wish you lasting success. And I write to you with the utmost frankness and respect, and in the form of hope ((translate into Arabic)) The number of your followers will increase greatly. I am absolutely confident that you are interested in providing benefit to everyone without exception. My utmost respect, appreciation and pride to you, gentlemen
wish you continuous success . A very beautiful and wonderful work that deserves admiration and all appreciation. Never stop.. It would be great if all your works are translated into Arabic. I wish you well and happiness. Thank you for your exceptional and distinguished effort in presenting this very beautiful work
Winston Churchill famously stated that, during World War 2, his greatest fear was from the U-boat threat. The over-emphasis on the RAF saving Britain is purely on the basis that their contribution was visible and well-reported. It was a perceived victory, beefed-up to aid morale. However, without the Royal Navy, Britons (including RAF personnel) would have starved, and vital fuel and supplies would never have got through to allow us to fight on. Endless praise for ‘The Few’ is an insult to those who supplied them.
Stephen, that is a rather bitter comment and a tad disrespectful. Of course, the RN and Merchant Fleet kept the country going (including my grandfather), that does not diminish the significance of the Battle of Britain. It is possible to have more than one factor at play you know. I'm sure there's another documentary on the Battle of the Atlantic.
@@jonesyjones7626 No reader can confidently interpret my motivation for making such assertions. Any perceived bitterness or disrespect is down to the mindset of the one reading my comments. My comment reflected facts. Nothing more. It’s an undeniable reality that an overwhelming number of historians and commentators focus on the RAF’s input, while paying insufficient attention elsewhere. If you consider such may warrant any degree of bitterness and disrespect that’s your call. I am neither bitter nor disrespectful, merely observant. You, however, have demonstrated disrespect to me in your unfounded and unqualified assertion. But again, that’s your call and your entitlement, which I respect. We’re all sovereign.
WHEN BRITAIN WAS GREAT, THE SNOWFLAKES OF TODAY HAVE NO IDEA OF THE SACRIFICE. GOD BLESS THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIFE, FOR FREEDOM FOR ALL......FOR THE SNOWFLAKES IN THE COMMENTS, IT IS ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO DIED, GET IT SNOWFLAKES.....
@@calxbrone It's an objective fact - we allied with one of the greatest mass murderers in world history And then we agreed to allow him to enslave half of Europe Then we pretended it was a great victory for freedom and democracy I'm not saying anything controversial here - simple facts Off you go now and watch Saving Private Ryan
Let us not forget the Polish flying aces - repatriated, at the request of Stalin, against their will, after the VE day. Without them there would have been a different outcome to the battle of Britain. .
That is a bit of an exaggeration. The Polosih and Czech pilots were very aggressive and successful, everyone knows this and they were given due credit in the BoB film. Nobody diminishes their performance. However, to claim that they made the difference is not based on actual numbers or evidence.
How the RAF saved Britain? I thought it was a multi force and international affair. "The few" were not all RAF and is one time when multiple forces gelled together perfectly.
While there was a small minority of non-British pilots in RAF Fighter Command, 81% of Fighter Command pilots were of British birth. Just to avoid any devious portrayal that somehow thousands of foreign pilots flooded to Britain in 1940..... they didn't.
@@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684 and the British pilots that were NOT RAF? The RAF is not the only military air force we have! Have the other pilots become the unmentionables?
@@MarkHarrison733 "By force"? How does a country of 45 million (in 1940) rule "half the world by force" (in reality less than one quarter, or approx 450 million in 1940) exactly? Please explain.
Imagine how many more German aircraft would have been lost if only the Brits had armed their planes with .50 cal. browning's, which was intended to be used against machines, rather that the puny .303's that they did use!
Take the "13 hours" claim with a pinch of salt. The overall conflict ran from July to October 1940. Thirteen hours undermines and almost trivialises what the country went through.
Yes this was the start of the real use an acceptance of the use of aircraft for protection, direct machine to machine. Good history film. Thanks. Michael
This is what the Lord says to those who look to Him: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.
wow 13 houers that saved Britan. !!!!!!lik the germans couldn't have lunched an Invation, as long as Britain had the Home fleet, Thats Just bonkers saying that. Also not a word about the Brave Polish Pilots that where heroes that day. Also Britain had Norway and the US on their side. They had the worlds biggest and most mopdern tanker fleet on their side ( the Norwegian ) also The US sold the Petrol to the English And not only oil. Did the British put up a heroic figiht Yes they did. but without the Norwegian tanker fleet they would have been on the ground that day without gas/petrol.
god bless to all the brave young men and women that fought to keep this country from the Nazis.. thank you very much I just cant help wondering what they would think about how things have worked out now.. all our young people are obsessed by mindlessly gazing and tapping into their phones as they walk down the street (playing silly games or chatting on social media) some become a victim to another youngster who would gladly rob, and even kill them, to steal their precious bit of black glass.. its as sad as anything eh? .. what a terrible society it has become
Disagree! The young people of the 30s were flippant & frivolous but they rose to the occasion - as would the you g people of today. Just remember that their parents ts & elders had many complaints about their behavior & values.
1960s, Near Brisbane Qld ,my mum had a friend Pat Rolfe < married name . she often told the story of her brother being awarded a posthumous V.C. In the battle of Britain , she said he was the only Spitfire pilot to do so in WW2 . For the life of me I never knew his name.? anyone know ????
James Brindley Nicolson is the only one I can find, but he flew a Hurricane. Really good story as well. He still went after a 109 even though his Hurricane was on fire.
@@dalj4362 yep , thats gotta be him. maybe Mrs Rolfe said he was the only fighter pilot to get a VC in the battle of Brittan 1940. My childhood memory made it a Spitfire
The Germans had radar, and BETTER radar as well than the British at the time of the battle of Britain BUT it was the overall air defence system that Britain employed their radar in that made ALL the difference.
"Kill them all....." There may be times and situations that would let me think that it was ethically and morally acceptable. I am content to say..I have not seen that time yet
During the war the British Empire and Dominions raised a total of 8,586,000 men for military service. More than 5 million came from the British Isles, 1,440,500 from India, 6 29,000 from Canada, 413,000 from Australia, 136,000 from South Africa, 128,500 from New Zealand and more than 134,000 from other colonies.
🙏 Respect & Salute & Thank You So Much for All Those Who Had Sacrificed So Much to End WWII ... May All the innocents be blessed to a Better World & Realm in due time 🕯🌷🌿🌎💜🕊 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇫🇷 ... As for those evil doers ... Let the Gods & Goddesses of Justice deal with them ... Karma is such Complex Subject ...
There were two squadrons of Fleet Air Arm (Royal Navy)in the Battle as well, 7 Royal Navy pilots lots their lives, the BBC never mention this fact, they give credit to the Eastern European squadrons as well as pilots from other countries, but not the Royal Navy, the only credit given to the Royal Navy is at the end of the 1969 film The Battle of Britain
Can you point out which FAA squadrons were placed under control of Fighter Command during the battle? I'm aware that a number of FAA Pilots were transferred into fighter command but not actual units.
@@davidharris4062 Thanks for that David, I've got a reasonably good knowledge of the battle, but was unaware of this aspect. Do you know what types they flew during the battle? A quick "wiki" (I know, I know) suggests Fulmars but I can't believe they took to the skies over southern Britain in those naval fighters in summer 1940....
"The country was together as one." Unfortunately it isn't true. Crime rose massively during the period. Hunger and fear motivate in different ways. Robert Watson Watt and Skip Wilkins the geniuses who invented radar. Are owed so much by each and every free person in the west today.
It is a rather silly conceit to pretend that the Battle of Britain saved our islands - the battle played a part. No Germans would have been able to cross the Channel while the Royal Navy had command of the Narrow Seas - and such command of the English Channel has remained for centuries, courtesy of the Royal Navy.
That would have depended on air power - if Germany had control of the skies then the navy would have been wiped out in a concentrated English Channel engagement, or forced to retreat The war in the Pacific proved that
All those people who died in London during the German attacks: Most of them, majority of them, were killed by British gun crews. The anti-aircraft shells that went up also came down. Parabolic Curves of Projectiles from the naval guns used had short range. Many friendly projectiles, many short distances. Many friendly victims
@@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684 Don’t dismiss him/her so easily. I have heard about this before. I wouldn’t agree that most of the people who lost their lives were killed by AA fire, but it’s possible that many were.
@@davidpryle3935 While I am also aware of INSTANCES of it happening, to suggest that "Most of them, majority of them, were killed by British gun crews" is borderline delusional.
Yes the 15th of September was a great day not only for Britain and also for the world we who live today should be grateful to those Airmen as well as the resilent British people who faced it all with courage yes they did not migrate to safer places like people do nowadays
I think you mixed political and military objectives. The political 1 is certainly sovereignity over all UA territorries. But the military 1 does not correspond. The way to achieve max success is to harm and disable the enemie's forces. There will be a lot of enemy forces waiting south. How UA will deal with these is the key. And yes, if UA does not decisively defeat this invasion this year support might be crumbling. However, RF is on its knees. There seems to be no bettr moment...
The Battle of Britain is like Pearl Harbor way to much stuff covering it with nothing new to add. I hate to say it but it might be time to start putting as much effort into newer wars. I understand it might be a political issue depending how recent but nothing new is really added anymore with WW2.
Not everyone is older like myself (and maybe your good self). There are always younger viewers who haven't seen this stuff. Also, as the primary aim of the producers is to make money, they go with proven content. It's kind of like how Hollywood will go with sequels ( of a hit movie) rather than take a chance on something unproven. I agree with you, but WWII is guaranteed to be popular, whereas more recent wars are not.
Years ago, back in India, I worked as Secretary to an ex-RAF pilot. He told me, please don't ask me about the War. I lost my family in the Battle of Britain. R.I.P Sir. The world owes a deep debt of gratitude to men like you.
Dame Vera Lynn was a bit more than an eyewitness, wouldn't you say?
She kept British spirits lifted, even in the darkest days. Her contribution shouldn't be ignored or diminished.
I wonder if the producer of this video even knows who she is .
@@vicsaul5459 If I'm 40, and American, yet I know who she is and her contribution (mostly because of Pink Floyd, ngl), then this seems indicative of a shameful lack of research.
There's alot of severely lacking research on UA-cam, this uploader makes no mention that this video is a direct copy from a TV documentary first broadcast in the early 1970s,
Lynn was garbage.
@@vicsaul5459 Thank You for the date , I was wondering at the start when the People were Interviewed . I had an English Teacher in High School who was ARP in London at this time , I instantly thought about Him While listening to the Descriptions .
After years of programs about WWII on the History Channel, I thought I had watched enough, but these videos bring so much more human perspective to the war, and do it without being overly dramatic or exploitative. It is much appreciated.
You are one of the numerous victims of the western regimes propaganda and brain washing.
The RAF did NOT save Britain: Germany lost WW2 but the N4z!s won: they are in power in the western nations (US of A, the UK, Kanada, AusJalia etc...) So much for "democracy"! These are NOT "democracies! I call them "demoNcracies" dominated by lobbyists (Oligarchs). The western nations are Oligarchies at the top (aka Kakistocracies) and "Idiocraties" at the lower strata of society in these countries. Lobbying is legal theft. The global west regimes support the N4z! regime in Ukraine.
I agree 💯 with your statement. There's in-depth human expressions by line soldiers, a thing which powers that be had kept away from general public. More realistic
I did most of my high school in an English international boarding school near Plymouth and sometimes I would have to be in the study hall and in the study hall they had these little books kind of like dreamstore novels. They were books about fighter pilots and the spitfires that they flew. And usually with a romantic twist there's the pilot and his lady. I loved reading those books. It was a respite from the boarding school life. There's lots of good history in that country. And there are lots of nice people especially in the country.
Some awesome footage
WE CAN NEVER REPAY THEM BUT FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS WE THANK THEM
It's why Europe is Islamic today.
THEY WERE ALL FIGHTING FOR THE SAME PEOPLE ALL ALONG WAR IS A RACKET
LOTS OF LOVE FROM INDIA. Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck, former Commander-in-Chief, India, stated that Britain "couldn't have come through both wars [World War I and II] if they hadn't had the Indian Army." During the Second World War (1939-1945), India was a part of the British Empire. India, as a part of the Allied Nations, sent over two and a half million soldiers to fight under British command against the Axis powers. India also provided the base for American operations in support of China in the China Burma India Theater.
@@vidhushekhar17 they were all fighting for the same people all along War is a racket
@@vidhushekhar17 India should have been allowed to remain neutral, like Ireland.
"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few"
read an actor, what a speech-writer wrote
@@m93p Repeating the words spoken by Winston Churchill in the House of Commons.
Wonderful doc and from this English elderly woman born after the war, I can only imagine what courage those young man showed , a heartfelt salute to them all
Most definitely to see the outcome on this battle. God will prevail in all things. Amen.
Most of the colour footage is taken from the 1968 movie 'Battle of Britain'. Mostly outtakes not used in the movie.
THE BEST CHANNEL
Radar plus organization plus Spitfire plus great airmen plus bravery beyond belief was a big part of the victory. Goering plus Heinkels plus stupidity plus no radar equals failure. The first of the few !
Wonderful!
A thousand greetings, great respect and admiration for your esteemed and wonderful channel, which provided accurate and useful information. I wish you lasting success. A wonderful work and a great effort that deserves pride, appreciation and pride. My utmost respect and appreciation to you
As dire as the situation was, British high command was confident that they would survive the attack by the Luftwaffe. Indeed, after the war, Churchill wrote in his memoirs that the ONLY thing that ever scared him in the war was the Uboat menace.
Churchill was bribed to destroy Europe and the British Empire by Strakosch.
god bless them all
@@bluebell2247 It's why England is Islamic today.
@@MarkHarrison733 England is mostly atheist and growing even more atheist by the year. Our places of worships are pubs. Doesn't sound Islamic to me.
@@lyndoncmp5751 Pubs are obsolete due to the changed demographics. Over 500 pubs in the UK close every year.
Our young men didn’t flee a worn torn country. We owe them so much
The UK had attacked Germany in 1939.
Great doco. ❤
We seemed to have forgotten that the German invasion force would have had to cross the Channel I think the Royal Navy would have had something to say about that
Oh please. The Germans would have destroyed our Navy if we didn't have a great air force
@@jayo3074 Are you absolutely sure about that ;
Count the numbers of ships the R/N would have had in the Channel
Navy would have to retreat if there isn't an air presence any more. Who needs ship on ship battles when the German air force will sink every
@@kevinkevin5741 this guy doesn't know anything about battles lol ignore him
@@jacktattis it doesn't matter if we don't have air superiority smh
Churchill and the British didn't even have the decency to allow these brave Polish fighter pilots who Saved England to March in the Victory parade day in England. Because Churchill didn't want to insult Joseph Stalin. And the Most Decorated Military Unit in U.S. History was The 442nd Infantry Regiment (Japanese:
And go look and see how the Americans treated them and their families. The British and Americans have no shame, indeed.
A few points: Firstly Polish fighter pilots did not save England, they contributed to the country's defence alongside British, Commonwealth and other nationalities. Secondly Churchill was voted out of office in the summer of 1945 almost a year before the victory parade in the summer of 1946. Finally the Polish pilots were invited to the victory parade but did not attend in protest at the invite not being extended to all Polish combatents.
Poland had prevented the UK and France from allying with the USSR in mid-August 1939.
Another ignoramus parroting complete nonsense he hasn't the slightest idea about. (NOT you this time Mark).
The Victory Parade you talk about was for BRITISH Military personnel only, BRITISH, OK.
BUT, The Government sent invitations to EVERY country that were our Allies, to ask if they would like to send a Flag Party, so the civilians could see the flags of all the Allied countries.
THREE countries refused this invitation, The USSR, Yugoslavia, and, any guesses, Poland.
The Government then invited Ex Polish military personnel still in the UK, they said they wanted a bigger Flag Party than any of the other participating Nations, The Government, quite rightly refused, As this would not be fair on the other nations, the invitation was not withdrawn, it was still up to the Polish ex services organisations, the invitation was still on the table, THEY decided NOT to attend.
And as for the UK not having any "decency" The British Government gave Citizenship to over 250,000 Polish troops, and their families. How is that for not having any "DECENCY"?.
Of the 2,962 allied pilots engaged in the Battle of Britain, 2,421 were RAF (and Fleet Air Arm), 117 were Canadian, 141 were Polish and a further 210 were from ten other countries.
What about new zealand and australia have you seen at the end of the movie pilots killed in action
@@rexthomas9879 It would seem they were lumped into that 210 figure along with others like Dutch, Belgian, French, South African pilots. Strangely Sailor Malan was not mentioned, the South African had 38 kills during the Battle of Britain. It is irksome that in these documentaries that the Commonwealth members are just lumped in with Britain rather than identified by name.
@@tophat2115 But they're not "lumped in" usually try this for example.....
ua-cam.com/video/dmsXyJgzk-8/v-deo.html
and where did you get Adolph "Sailor" Malan's ridicuous kill Tally of 38? That was the TOTAL kill tally for 74 Sqd of which Malan was Squadron leader.
If you've utterly NO IDEA of what you're talking about,why come spouting rubbish instead?
I'm sure there were about 7 American pilots too.. . by all Hollywood accounts won it by themselves lol
@@tophat2115 Malan did NOT have 38 kills at all he had 27
This is a very important addition to the other Docs that I have seen that cover this phase of the Battle. The eye witness accounts add another dimension to the more clinical details available elsewhere.
3:45 anyone else think of the show 24?
No mention of the merchant crews bringing in their fuel at great risk
Yes, and also little of the huge influence the Royal Navy had in preventing an invasion.
There is only one Battle of Britain pilot still alive...and ironically he is Irish and lives in Dublin. Perhaps that is why he is being ignored.
Ireland supported the Axis.
@@MarkHarrison733 No, Ireland was technically neutral but in effect helped the allies, albeit on the QT. German airmen interned, British airmen returned. Irish fire brigade helping Northern Irish cities. Allowing access to the ‘Donegal Corridor’. Irish met office info to Britain. Irish soldiers, sailors and airmen in British armed forces. Irish munitions worker’s and Irish labourers repairing RAF landing fields. Food supplies (ironic when you consider the famine) Plan ‘W’ an agreement between Britain and Ireland allowing Britain to occupy Ireland if there was a German invasion. Viscount Cranbourne stated at war’s end that the Irish government had ‘…been willing to accord to us any facilities which would not be regarded as overtly prejudicing their attitude to neutrality’. And M E Collins said that Ireland was ‘more friendly than strict neutrality should have allowed’.
@@MarkHarrison733 At times, yes!
The real tragedy of WW2 was that they were all fighting for the same people all along War is a racket
Only True Statement Worker Kills Worker while the capitalist laughs all the way to the bank the money power are the winners others are debt slaves
This reminded me of the excellent movie "The Battle of Britain" with memorable rousing music from Ron Goodwin. I noticed this doc used some scenes from the movie. An interesting bit of trivia....Wing Commander Stanford Tuck and Lieutenant General Adolf Galland who were technical advisers on the movie, both became life long friends after the war. Douglas Bader was also friends with Lt Galland.
Brilliant story telling
It was the Polish Fighter Pilots who save Britain from the Germans.
😂
😂😂😂
There were nearly 3,000 other pilots that weren't Polish.
Yes of course.
Ridiculous and untrue.
It was, to a large extent, down to VHF radio and primitive radar. It aslo included the work of the Royal Observer Corps, and more. The winner was Dowding's system which filtered and passed the vital information to where it mattered. It was really a huge and successful intelligence gathering system which could work in near real time.
The Germans, at the same stage in the war, had radar that was superior to ours, but did not have the system to quickly make use of the information that that system provided.
Radar was irrelevant.
@@MarkHarrison733 Much like your comments "Mark" or "James" or whoever you are today.
@@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684 Radar was a German invention.
Well done ❣️
Why does the battle of the beams not get a mention? It was crucial in stopping successful Luftwaffe night bombing campaigns ?
What an awesome and fearsome sight to behold
Keep in mind everybody wants and needs America
The Brits developed the first practical radar system, then designed and manufactured some of the best planes in WW2, the Spitfire and Hurricane, which were critical for the Battle of Brirain and then later on the Mosquito, which is my favourite plane of WW2. Pretty impressive what they achieved when you think about it.
The Mosquito was arguably the greatest all round allied plane and maybe the greatest from anywhere.
Not bad for a kite the Gov't didn't want
Britain would also have had the first and undoubtedly one of the best Supersonic Jet Fighters, the TSR2, had the UK Government of the day, not caved, in to US bullying and blackmail. Britain in the early 1960s was broke, and the government needed loans from the US. The price, stop research and development of the TSR2!
Radar was a German invention. Germany had the best aeroplanes and tanks.
@@realsteviem Thankfully Ike had bankrupted the UK in 1956.
@@MarkHarrison733 I disagree. Unlike the Allies, Germany had no heavy bombers like the Lancaster, and despite the Fockawolf, could not match the later versions of Spitfires, Mustangs, Tempests an Hawker Sea Fury, which was the fastest piston engine fighter at the end of the War. Admitedly, their Tiger and Panzer Tanks were better than what the allies had. In truth, the jet-engined Messerschmitt would, had enough numbers been made, be a serious threat, although by that time the Gloucester Meteor would have matched it.
Little known fact that the Battle of Britain was heavily reliant upon and won by Poles in the RAF as both 303 and 304 squadrons were Polish pilots also Pilots from other occupied countries continued fighting as RAF aircrew.
Despite what little englanders claim the UK was never on it's own.
Hardly heavily reliant. Of the Seventy fighter squardons only five were "commonwealth and allied squadrons".
No. 1 Sqdn Canadian
No's 302 & 303 Sqdn's Polish
No's 310 & 312 Sqdn's Czech
The Pol's and Czech's did punch above their weight, especially the Czech's. But they weren't a descisive factor.
@@larry4789 That is true however the opening post is still nonsense.
@@larry4789
Why the disparaging remark ??
Unhelpful !
"Heavily reliant" oh you mean the 4.9% of Fighter Command pilot establishment that was born in Poland?
None of the people who fought in those battles are alive anymore, and pretty soon, even the children who witnessed it will be dead. WW2 will no longer be part of our collective memory, as no one who witnessed it will be alive. All we are left with are rows of crosses-- a generation that sacrificed everything. How can we even begin to understand how thankful we should be?
We should have joined the Axis in 1939.
Its a great story, but it’s a fallacy. Britain was not under immediate threat of invasion. The Royal Navy was far too powerful. The Germans were not even strong enough to prevent evacuation from Dunkirk.
Yeah but without the RAF or the FAA supporting the RN, it would've been easier for the German Navy to defeat the RN with support from the Luftwaffe.
The channel could have been secured but the cost to the royal navy would have been immense, perhaps even fatal. Given the losses incurred by the Royal Navy during the Dunkirk evacuation, the potential of the fleet to be decimated was very real. The channel basically leaves no room for larger vessels so it would basically be a destroyer and aircraft battle
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How about you shut up and stop spamming comments to get likes
😅
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Very impressive fighting spirit by the British nation.
Winston Churchill famously stated that, during World War 2, his greatest fear was from the U-boat threat. The over-emphasis on the RAF saving Britain is purely on the basis that their contribution was visible and well-reported. It was a perceived victory, beefed-up to aid morale. However, without the Royal Navy, Britons (including RAF personnel) would have starved, and vital fuel and supplies would never have got through to allow us to fight on. Endless praise for ‘The Few’ is an insult to those who supplied them.
Stephen, that is a rather bitter comment and a tad disrespectful. Of course, the RN and Merchant Fleet kept the country going (including my grandfather), that does not diminish the significance of the Battle of Britain. It is possible to have more than one factor at play you know. I'm sure there's another documentary on the Battle of the Atlantic.
Churchill was a traitor.
@@jonesyjones7626 No reader can confidently interpret my motivation for making such assertions. Any perceived bitterness or disrespect is down to the mindset of the one reading my comments. My comment reflected facts. Nothing more. It’s an undeniable reality that an overwhelming number of historians and commentators focus on the RAF’s input, while paying insufficient attention elsewhere. If you consider such may warrant any degree of bitterness and disrespect that’s your call. I am neither bitter nor disrespectful, merely observant. You, however, have demonstrated disrespect to me in your unfounded and unqualified assertion. But again, that’s your call and your entitlement, which I respect. We’re all sovereign.
@@stephenwand3417 The Royal Navy's blockade was illegal under international law.
Excellent observation
WHEN BRITAIN WAS GREAT, THE SNOWFLAKES OF TODAY HAVE NO IDEA OF THE SACRIFICE. GOD BLESS THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIFE, FOR FREEDOM FOR ALL......FOR THE SNOWFLAKES IN THE COMMENTS, IT IS ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO DIED, GET IT SNOWFLAKES.....
By allying with Stalin and giving him half of Europe? Sure OK
@@yingyang1008 You know nothing lol
@@calxbrone It's an objective fact - we allied with one of the greatest mass murderers in world history
And then we agreed to allow him to enslave half of Europe
Then we pretended it was a great victory for freedom and democracy
I'm not saying anything controversial here - simple facts
Off you go now and watch Saving Private Ryan
AGREED
I ALSO TYPE IN ALL CAPS
Where did they get this footage from?
The classic 1969 film "The Battle of Britain".
Squadron 303👍🏻
What a tragedy when all the first hand accounts will be gone and second hand stories are all that is left.
And how soon it will be
@@Masonjar94 very soon, little Muhammad won't be interested in how we resisted the luftwaffe
Let us not forget the Polish flying aces - repatriated, at the request of Stalin, against their will, after the VE day. Without them there would have been a different outcome to the battle of Britain. .
You are confused, Russians pows were repatriated against their will, not the Poles.
That is a bit of an exaggeration. The Polosih and Czech pilots were very aggressive and successful, everyone knows this and they were given due credit in the BoB film. Nobody diminishes their performance. However, to claim that they made the difference is not based on actual numbers or evidence.
The Luftwaffe had already failed before the Polish squadron even went into battle.
One of the great myths, where were they during the Blitz
They were bombing Germany before and during the Blitz.
You should do a video on Jimmy Stewart. he was a bomber pilot.
And if Frank Whittle had been taken seriously in the 30s, this battle would have taken a fraction of the time, or perhaps not even have been needed.
The battle was completely irrelevant.
@@MarkHarrison733you're a 'troll' loser🤣
Anyone know who the narrator is? Sounds like Jonny Dep with an english accent.
😊😊
I believe the narrator is a chap named Sean Barrett.
KarnabyAirfieldNearBridlington
How the RAF saved Britain?
I thought it was a multi force and international affair.
"The few" were not all RAF and is one time when multiple forces gelled together perfectly.
While there was a small minority of non-British pilots in RAF Fighter Command, 81% of Fighter Command pilots were of British birth.
Just to avoid any devious portrayal that somehow thousands of foreign pilots flooded to Britain in 1940..... they didn't.
@@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684
and the British pilots that were NOT RAF?
The RAF is not the only military air force we have!
Have the other pilots become the unmentionables?
@@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684 The UK was occupying half of the world by force in 1940.
@@MarkHarrison733 "By force"? How does a country of 45 million (in 1940) rule "half the world by force" (in reality less than one quarter, or approx 450 million in 1940) exactly? Please explain.
@@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684 The UK still had the second-most powerful navy in the world in 1940.
You mean how the skilled Polish pilots saved Britain!
Uneducated comment.
There were nearly 3,000 other pilots that weren't Polish, and a couple thousand planes that weren't Polish either.
Why can't anyone tell the story of when we decoded their transmissions and how we dealt with it.
You're looking in the wrong place... try looking for "WW2 British codebreakers" instead.
Read "Hut 6" by the key player at Bletchley, Gordon Welchman.
Imagine how many more German aircraft would have been lost if only the Brits had armed their planes with .50 cal. browning's, which was intended to be used against machines, rather that the puny .303's that they did use!
Take the "13 hours" claim with a pinch of salt. The overall conflict ran from July to October 1940. Thirteen hours undermines and almost trivialises what the country went through.
Yes this was the start of the real use an acceptance of the use of aircraft for protection, direct machine to machine. Good history film. Thanks. Michael
This is what the Lord says to those who look to Him: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.
The RAF was almost as large as the Luftwaffe in 1940.
wow 13 houers that saved Britan. !!!!!!lik the germans couldn't have lunched an Invation, as long as Britain had the Home fleet, Thats Just bonkers saying that.
Also not a word about the Brave Polish Pilots that where heroes that day.
Also Britain had Norway and the US on their side.
They had the worlds biggest and most mopdern tanker fleet on their side ( the Norwegian )
also The US sold the Petrol to the English And not only oil.
Did the British put up a heroic figiht Yes they did. but without the Norwegian tanker fleet they would have been on the ground that day without gas/petrol.
The stupidity and tragedy of Europeans killing fellow Europeans never fails to deeply sadden me.
god bless to all the brave young men and women that fought to keep this country from the Nazis.. thank you very much
I just cant help wondering what they would think about how things have worked out now..
all our young people are obsessed by mindlessly gazing and tapping into their phones as they walk down the street (playing silly games or chatting on social media) some become a victim to another youngster who would gladly rob, and even kill them, to steal their precious bit of black glass..
its as sad as anything eh? .. what a terrible society it has become
No one's willing to die for lying politicians - people were dumber back in the 1940s and believed everything single thing their radios told them
Disagree! The young people of the 30s were flippant & frivolous but they rose to the occasion - as would the you g people of today. Just remember that their parents ts & elders had many complaints about their behavior & values.
Polish pilots saved England.
1960s, Near Brisbane Qld ,my mum had a friend Pat Rolfe < married name .
she often told the story of her brother being awarded a posthumous V.C.
In the battle of Britain , she said he was the only Spitfire pilot to do so in WW2 .
For the life of me I never knew his name.? anyone know ????
James Brindley Nicolson is the only one I can find, but he flew a Hurricane. Really good story as well. He still went after a 109 even though his Hurricane was on fire.
@@dalj4362 yep , thats gotta be him. maybe Mrs Rolfe said he was the only fighter pilot to get a VC in the battle of Brittan 1940. My childhood memory made it a Spitfire
dont forget divizion 303
The mighty SPITFIRE was seen in the 1944 World War Two movie set in the town of Chillingbourne. ❤❤❤
13 hours
One of the (only) advantage of the British Air Force over the German they had some kind of radar system.
The Germans had radar, and BETTER radar as well than the British at the time of the battle of Britain BUT it was the overall air defence system that Britain employed their radar in that made ALL the difference.
@@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684 The battle was completely irrelevant.
How old are you Bill?
@@MarkHarrison733 Did someone speak?
I must say British Military intelligence is amazing right there with Israel.
Was and probably is now!
witnessing the air battle formations by your own eyes. must be a mixed feelings
"Kill them all....." There may be times and situations that would let me think that it was ethically and morally acceptable. I am content to say..I have not seen that time yet
SHOULD THIS NOT BE HOW THE POLISH PIOLTS SAVED THE RAF!!!
only to the uneducated among us.
@@CB-fz3li THE POLIS PILOTS EXCELLED FAR BEYOND BRITISH PILOTS IN KILLS AND RETURNED SAFELY BOMBERS
During the war the British Empire and Dominions raised a total of 8,586,000 men for military service. More than 5 million came from the British Isles, 1,440,500 from India, 6
29,000 from Canada, 413,000 from Australia, 136,000 from South Africa, 128,500 from New Zealand and more than 134,000 from other colonies.
Germany had no colonies at all.
@@MarkHarrison733 No they had lost them 20 years previously
Is the narrator russell Crowe?
The Luftwaffe at its peak; the RAF at its best !
From then on the Luftwaffe went downwards and the RAF upwards .
Mainly because we destroyed pretty much all Germany's Streel and Rubber manufacturing.
🙏 Respect & Salute & Thank You So Much for All Those Who Had Sacrificed So Much to End WWII ... May All the innocents be blessed to a Better World & Realm in due time 🕯🌷🌿🌎💜🕊 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇫🇷 ... As for those evil doers ... Let the Gods & Goddesses of Justice deal with them ... Karma is such Complex Subject ...
Why use clips from the film The Battle Of Britain instead of real film?
One almost gets the impression that some on here would've welcomed a German victory. It's a feature I've noted several times.
There will always be an England…… as long as their former colonies bail them out.
Not nothing, but really small change compared to what the Allies inflicted on Germany later one.
I'm not captured.. I'm bailing
Esquadrille had 109s sitting on it
There were two squadrons of Fleet Air Arm (Royal Navy)in the Battle as well, 7 Royal Navy pilots lots their lives, the BBC never mention this fact, they give credit to the Eastern European squadrons as well as pilots from other countries, but not the Royal Navy, the only credit given to the Royal Navy is at the end of the 1969 film The Battle of Britain
Can you point out which FAA squadrons were placed under control of Fighter Command during the battle? I'm aware that a number of FAA Pilots were transferred into fighter command but not actual units.
@@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684 804 & 808 NAS ?
@@davidharris4062 Thanks for that David, I've got a reasonably good knowledge of the battle, but was unaware of this aspect. Do you know what types they flew during the battle? A quick "wiki" (I know, I know) suggests Fulmars but I can't believe they took to the skies over southern Britain in those naval fighters in summer 1940....
Horrible title! You mean it only took 13 hours to win!
The RAF were minimal in this! The Fleet Air Arm and other nations aircrew were the majority of those involved!
2 squadrons of the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm?
A ridiculous comment . Why is it that all the RN fan boys always have a go at the RAF? It isn't a competition. The RN and RAF were on the same side.
Lucky it didn’t happen in 21 st century. It would have been quite different.
We love all of Angels, but some have to be Earneath(R).
Probably would’ve been better to launch a naval invasion instead of a massive air battle over enemy flak
It was not just but the world
Luck and Mistakes.
"The country was together as one." Unfortunately it isn't true. Crime rose massively during the period. Hunger and fear motivate in different ways.
Robert Watson Watt and Skip Wilkins the geniuses who invented radar. Are owed so much by each and every free person in the west today.
"The end of the beginning".
The beginning of the end! The end Of The beginning! W S C 🤔
It is a rather silly conceit to pretend that the Battle of Britain saved our islands - the battle played a part. No Germans would have been able to cross the Channel while the Royal Navy had command of the Narrow Seas - and such command of the English Channel has remained for centuries, courtesy of the Royal Navy.
That would have depended on air power - if Germany had control of the skies then the navy would have been wiped out in a concentrated English Channel engagement, or forced to retreat
The war in the Pacific proved that
It is no coincidence that the ,powerful , U.S came from England.
There were more Americans of German descent.
All those people who died in London during the German attacks: Most of them, majority of them, were killed by British gun crews. The anti-aircraft shells that went up also came down. Parabolic Curves of Projectiles from the naval guns used had short range. Many friendly projectiles, many short distances. Many friendly victims
Nonsense.
The bombing of London involved BOMBS. Anti-aircraft guns use a different type of munition.
Does the nurse realise that you have gained access to a keyboard? I think not.
@@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684 Don’t dismiss him/her so easily. I have heard about this before. I wouldn’t agree that most of the people who lost their lives were killed by AA fire, but it’s possible that many were.
@@davidpryle3935 While I am also aware of INSTANCES of it happening, to suggest that "Most of them, majority of them, were killed by British gun crews" is borderline delusional.
Never underestimate old Blighty 👍🇦🇺
god bless them all 1 was born in 1939 they saved us all
Hardly.
top 7 rules in every nation adn top 3 rulse for life tj and tp skils are needed for war money and survival
Only to surrender it without a fight to today's invaders.
That's because we fought the wrong side in WWII - we lost the war, the empire, went bankrupt, lost everything
This video should have been 5 minutes long. It is full re-enactment/actors and civilians account. Fighter footage should have been more useful.
Yes the 15th of September was a great day not only for Britain and also for the world we who live today should be grateful to those Airmen as well as the resilent British people who faced it all with courage yes they did not migrate to safer places like people do nowadays
If it wasnt for the rest of the world helping there wouldnt of bin a uk
I think you mixed political and military objectives. The political 1 is certainly sovereignity over all UA territorries. But the military 1 does not correspond. The way to achieve max success is to harm and disable the enemie's forces. There will be a lot of enemy forces waiting south. How UA will deal with these is the key. And yes, if UA does not decisively defeat this invasion this year support might be crumbling. However, RF is on its knees. There seems to be no bettr moment...
The Battle of Britain is like Pearl Harbor way to much stuff covering it with nothing new to add. I hate to say it but it might be time to start putting as much effort into newer wars. I understand it might be a political issue depending how recent but nothing new is really added anymore with WW2.
Not everyone is older like myself (and maybe your good self). There are always younger viewers who haven't seen this stuff. Also, as the primary aim of the producers is to make money, they go with proven content. It's kind of like how Hollywood will go with sequels ( of a hit movie) rather than take a chance on something unproven. I agree with you, but WWII is guaranteed to be popular, whereas more recent wars are not.
@Castle Anthrax I agree, I still watched it so it's not like I can complain to much
@@castleanthrax1833 oo hos😅 48:18 48:18 ò 48:18 witnessed with ⁸
The Ukraine war is full of heroic stories. I can’t wait for the books and movies.