The UK's Royal Air Force ( RAF ) is commemorating 84 years since the pivotal 'Battle of Britain' during the early days of World War 2. Over the four-month aerial battle, 2,945 RAF aircrew - now celebrated as "The Few" - held off repeated attacks from Germany's Luftwaffe over the skies of Britain. 84 years since Battle of Britain On September 15th, 1940, the largest German aerial attack took place over southern Britain as the Luftwaffe targeted London, sending over 1,000 aircraft to bomb the UK capital.
They were met by an outnumbered RAF force of around 600 aircraft and heavy fighting inevitably ensued, ending in significant losses for the Germans - it is this day that is celebrated in the UK as 'Battle of Britain Day.' On that day 84 years ago, the Germans are estimated to have lost 58 aircraft during two waves of attacks, and scores more of its fleet was damaged. In what amounted to a clear victory for the RAF, the day is generally thought of as the turning point in the aerial war that discouraged Hitler from proceeding with Operation Sea Lion, a plan to invade the United Kingdom.
Various tributes and services took place across the UK yesterday to commemorate the day, including at the Battle of Britain Memorial in Capel-le-Ferne, Kent, and a service at Westminster Abbey, which saw an Avro Lancaster bomber perform a flypast. The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, said, "Here, we give thanks for the dedication and daring of members of the Royal Air Force a.