Hermann Göring

British convoys in the Channel from Dover to Plymouth are harried. 1st phase to 18th Aug. 1st day of the Battle of Britain

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 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.

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 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

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

Advises Hitler the Luftwaffe can keep the Army supplied in Stalingrad, a mistake

Claims the Luftwaffe can supply the encircled German army at Stalingrad by air