Germany did not lose the Battle of Britain

[Skoshi Tiger]

I guess it's like when you get pushed by a bully.

If you stumble and go down you've lost. If you manage to keep your dignity and can hold your head up high, it doesn't matter what happens next, you've won.

Britain kept her head up high, she managed to go onto a back foot and get enough time to take a breath and plan what her next move would be.

Nobody questions whether the Battle of Britain was a close thing, it was!, If it wasn't for the incompetance of the Germans in command, it could have gone horribly differently, yet the fact remains that due to the bravery of the 'Few', (most of them only kids in their 20's) that had to get into the Hurricanes and Spitfires, serveral times a day in many cases, the world would be an entirely different (and much worse) place today.

[ddmd80]

Here is a great reference link about the Battle of Britain enjoy: http://www.raf.mod.uk/Bob1940/bobhome.html

[vanir]

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?

[Pike]

Dear All,
Another point that has not been considered is the effect of morale. The fact that the British Isles 'held out' against the German might, considering that Poland Denmark Holland Norway Belgium and France had all succumbed must have given some comfort and hope to the resistance fighters. (There was a similar situation that arose with the Island of Malta) It also bought the world time to prepare and consider what to do next. Once the US got involved, Britain was a base to attack and supply from. Equally for the Germans the possibility that the war would continue on probably for years near the borders as with WWI, must have been little comfort to the German high command.
Best regards,
SLP

[nearmiss]

This a very old thread resurrected... it is locked hereon