I do understand the
sentiment contained in the original thread post. My family was in Germany at the time and pointedly mentioned the propaganda practised as fervently by all nations (it is quite simply, the primary universal means of modern government as opposed to perhaps the fear and domination rule of the mediaeval and ancient world).
The civilian experience of BoB in Germany, taken from this rather subjective source was that it was not a defeat for the military, who undoubtedly inflicted as severe losses to the enemy as were sustained. In this sense it was more a personal blow to the arrogance of the Nazis than anything else.
In strategic terms however this was a campaign and it was lost. England won. This is simply because the intention was to invade England and this was prevented during a series of aerial battles prelimenary to the invasion. So Germany did lose, but it is nothing like a sporting event and should not be thought of with any kind of national pride from either side. It was a terrible event and its consequences either way were terrible.
In reality nobody "won" the Battle of Britain. An invasion was prevented, and lots of honest patriots and career soldiers lost their lives defending their respective populations. You shouldn't even go around pointing the finger of culpability, since the political situation stretches to the Great War and beyond.
The Nazis had rotten, barbaric policies which resulted in horrific domestic acts. But it's pretty callous to use that in support of either British or any other mindless patriotism. Let us simply honour the men of the RAF and Luftwaffe for doing their duty.
My favourite tales of the conflict are where a stricken pilot would occasionally be escorted to home territory by an enemy aircraft, such was the maturity of those whom were involved. So let's practise a bit of that, hey?
