Battle of Britain

In early 1940 the Spitfire appeared to be no match for the German Messerschmitt Bf-109 during aerial combat; however, switching the Spitfire's variable speed propellor to a constant speed propellor—dramatically improved the Spitfire's performance and more than made it a match for the Bf-109.

This article argues that Australia can learn from what enabled the UK to win the Battle of Britain—geography, number of aircraft and pilots, training, serviceability and sortie rates.

Changing to 100-octane (100/130 aviation gasoline) just before the Battle of Britain increased the speed of the Spitfire by 25-30 M.P.H. at low and medium altitudes and made it equal, or superior, to the German Me 109 at all altitudes.

The decisions of 4 key people played a significant part in determining the outcome of the Battle of Britain.

In the Battle of Britain, the UK employed an integrated air defence system to deny Nazi Germany air superiority over the English Channel and prevented Germany from invading the UK.

The Spitfire MK1A and the Me109E were the most important aircraft used during the Battle of Britain; though they had different flying qualities—they were relatively evenly matched. The advantage for the RAF was that the Spitfire was used as part of an integrated defence system that, among other things, effectively used RADAR.

The USA developed and supplied the high-octane fuel that gave the Spitfire and Hurricane a winning edge in the Battle of Britain.

The innovation, insight and leadership of Air Chief Marshal Dowding, supported by AVM Park, who commanded 11 Group—responsible for the defence of London— enabled the UK to win the Battle of Britain during the summer of 1940 and prevent Hitler from invading the UK.