The Battle of Britain started on July 10, 1940. This pivotal World War II air campaign marked the first major battle fought entirely by air forces, as the RAF defended Britain against the German Luftwaffe's assaults. British records officially recognize this date as the beginning, when Luftwaffe attacks targeted Channel convoys and ports.

Official Timeline

The campaign unfolded in phases from July 10 to October 31, 1940 , overlapping with the Blitz's early night raids starting September 7. Key triggers included Hermann Göring's orders on June 30 to engage the RAF, followed by Hitler's Directive No. 16 on July 16 for Operation Sea Lion preparations. German historians sometimes extend it to May 1941, including the full Blitz, but the core RAF-Luftwaffe clashes centered on summer and fall 1940.

Key Phases

  • Phase 1 (July 10–August 12) : Luftwaffe hit shipping, ports, and radar stations; RAF countered effectively.
  • Adlerangriff (August 13 onward) : Intense fighter battles over airfields.
  • Shift to Cities (September) : Bombing turned to London after accidental raids, easing pressure on RAF bases.

Perspectives

British View : A triumphant stand-alone victory, with Churchill's "few" pilots preventing invasion.

German View : Part of a broader air war, hampered by strategic errors like switching targets.

Modern takes highlight RAF radar and production outpacing losses.

Lasting Impact

This battle halted Nazi invasion plans by September 17, boosting Allied morale amid 1940's darkest days. Today, in January 2026, it remains a symbol of resilience, with recent podcasts revisiting myths.

TL;DR : July 10, 1940—Luftwaffe vs. RAF over Channel marks start. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.