Battle of Britain 85th anniversary 2025-2026

[GreySnake01]

@Toimi_Tom

I’ve been reading the relatively new “The Battle of Britain – Five Months That Changed History: May-October 1940” by James Holland and am finding it a very fun fresh take and deep dive into the politics around the decisions made. So much that happened in May 1940 is what set up the battle as we know it.

That’s an excellent book that I have been listening to in audiobook form.

[fxsti03-42]

Thanks for this link. Very interesting YouTube Channel.

[GAF]

@Toimi_Tom

A couple aspects I’d never considered much are the push and pull between various parties wanting to send more RAF fighter squadrons to France in May 1940, and other parties wanting to keep them in England for the fight everyone knew was coming. Also I’m fascinated by how integral Chamberlain was to the war effort, even just as an advisor to Churchill. So often he’s just the “appeasement guy” but his story is so much deeper.

Dowding wanted to keep the fighters in England for its own defense, especially after the rather strained command relations between Britain and France. Even had they been sent, I doubt they would have made much of a difference. It was one thing fighting for France, and another fighting for their own country.

Neville Chamberlain might not get as bad a rep as he does had he survived, dying in November of 1940.