Battle of Britain: The Experience

The Battle of Britain was fought over the United Kingdom in the summer of 1940. Despite being outnumbered six to one, the British managed to fight the German air force to a standstill. This remarkable achievement was made possible by one of the first effective integrated command and control systems.

 In 2015, on the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the speaker set out to fly some of the actual aircraft used and to study the history of the battle. Along the way, he discovered that an uncle and a distant cousin had fought in the battle—both of whom survived.

This seminar is illustrated with historic footage, recorded veteran commentary, and modern footage of flying some of the actual aircraft and equipment used by the pilots.

Graeme J.W. Smith (born a Scot) is a keen amateur historian and retired private pilot. His career spanned photographic scientist, youth worker, tall ship captain, yacht builder and latterly an information technology consultant.