Adolf Hitler22 June 1940
France surrenders to the Germans
Germany · Warfare / World War, 2nd. Chronological records rendered directly from the World History Database.
France surrenders to the Germans
British convoys in the Channel from Dover to Plymouth are harried. 1st phase to 18th Aug. 1st day of the Battle of Britain
Directs Luftflotte 2 operations against southern Britain.
Supports attacks on Channel shipping during the opening phase.
Commands Luftflotte 3 during attacks on Britain.
Coordinates bomber and fighter operations from bases in occupied France.
Hopes that news of the preparations would frighten Britain into peace negotiations, issues "Directive No. 16; On the Preparation of a Landing Operation against England"
Issues Directive No. 16 ordering preparations for Operation Sea Lion.
Makes air superiority over Britain a prerequisite for the planned invasion.
Hitler holds a meeting of his army and navy chiefs in his Berghof
Believes air superiority was "not enough". Donitz later stated, "we possessed neither control of the air or the sea; nor were we in any position to gain it"
The OKW (Oberkommando der Wehrmacht or "High Command of the Armed Forces") issues its plan
Raeder believes that air superiority might make a successful landing possible although it would be a risky operation and required "absolute mastery over the Channel by our air forces"
Directive no 17 intensifies the air war against England
Renews attacks on the Channel, marks the next phase. Over the next 3 days the Germans lose 35 to the British 29 aircraft over the Channel. Gathers a force of 2,800 planes, 900 fighters & 1,300 bombers in 3 fleets
Luftwaffe raids strike Manston, Hawkinge, Lympne and radar sites.
Orders systematic attacks on RAF airfields and radar stations.
Luftwaffe attacks switch to British airfields and radar stations.
Orders attacks against airfields and radar stations during the Battle of Britain.
The engagements resulting from Eagle Day are later dubbed the Battle of Britain. 1st day of the main offensive
The Operation begins on Adlertag ("Eagle Day") by German forces, elimination of British air cover had been set as one of the prerequisites for Sea Lion - the amphibious assault of Britain. The engagements resulting from Eagle Day are later dubbed the Battle of Britain
The engagements resulting from Eagle Day are later dubbed the Battle of Britain
Commands major Luftwaffe formations during Eagle Day.
Luftflotte 2 attacks targets across south-east England.
The largest air Battle of this period. Adlertag, eagle day, opening of the decisive phase of the battle. 5 major actions are fought but the Germans lose 76 to Britains 34 aircraft. 1st large air Battle takes place in north England. 1,786 sorties are flown
About 100 bombers escorted by 40 Me 110s are launched against Tyneside
German air fleets attack widely separated targets across the country.
Launches one of the Luftwaffe's largest daylight efforts against Britain.
Adlertag, eagle day, opening of the decisive phase of the battle. 1,786 sorties are flown
Commits large Luftwaffe forces during the day later called the Hardest Day.
Heavy losses reduce subsequent use of Ju 87 dive bombers in the battle.
The 3rd phase of the battle begins. Resumes after bad weather. Airfields & commuincations are damaged as German numerical superiority takes effect
Berlin is bombed by the RAF in retaliation for the bombing of London
Concentrates on airfields in the south east but bombs are dropped in error on London. 2nd phase to 27th Sept, a route to London is to be opened up by destroying the RAF
Bombs also fall on London during the continuing air offensive.
Luftwaffe operations intensify against Fighter Command targets around London.
The Kanalkampf comprises a series of running fights over convoys in the English Channel launched partly because Kesselring and Sperrle were not sure about what else to do, and partly because it gives German aircrews some training and a chance to probe the British defences
The Germans have lost 308 aircraft to the British 273. End of the 3rd phase of the Battle of Britain
The Luftwaffe diverts its forces from destroying the RAF to bombing London
London becomes the target for incessant bombing
Shifts the main Luftwaffe effort toward large-scale attacks on London.
The change reduces pressure on Fighter Command's sector stations.
Initial Luftwaffe estimates are that it will take four days to defeat the RAF Fighter Command in southern England
Bombing on London peaks. Believing the RAF is broken Goering bombs London, 1,300 sorties are flown. 56 German planes are downed compared with 26 British. 1,000 bombers & 700 fighters rage over the London
Bomber command destroys 200 barges in France & Low Country ports
Failure to gain air superiority prevents the planned invasion of Britain.
Postpones Operation Sea Lion until further notice.
More than 450 British fighters are destroyed & 103 pilots killed. Attacks are shifted to main inland RAF bases
Coventry is destroyed during a night raid
The Luftwaffe cannot gain permanent air control but sporadic night raids continue
Coventry is blitzed by 500 bombers & almost demolished
Defeats France & then turns on Britain
Responsible for Luftwaffe operations against Britain and the west
Grand Admiral Erich Raeder, Commander in Chief of the Kriegsmarine (German Navy), told Hitler that an invasion could only be contemplated as a last resort, and only after full air superiority had been achieved
Defeated by the Americans & forced into retreat
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