Skip to main content
Sky HISTORY - This Day in HISTORY
14/09/1940

Tide turns in Battle of Britain

Over Britain, the Royal Air Force (RAF) launches a major counterattack against the German Luftwaffe. In September 1940, the German air force launched a massive blitz against London, hoping to bomb the British capital into submission. After a week of almost ceaseless attacks, several areas of London were in flames and the royal palace, churches, and hospitals had all been hit. However, the German concentration on London allowed the RAF to recuperate elsewhere. On September 15, 1940, the RAF launched a vigorous counterattack, downing a reported 185 German planes. Although the actual figure was probably closer to 60, the defeat was serious enough to convince Nazi leader Adolf Hitler to abandon his plans for an invasion of Britain.