Battle of Britain: The Hardest Day

Author: Alfred Price
Publisher: Charles Scribner's Sons NY
Edition: First
Cover: Hardcover w/Dust Cover
ISBN: 0-684-16503-1
History

More Reference Books

Synopsis: Alfred Price's meticulously researched account focuses on August 18, 1940, examining in minute detail the events of one of the most intense days of aerial combat during the Battle of Britain. This comprehensive analysis uses hour-by-hour reconstruction to show how both RAF and Luftwaffe operations unfolded during this crucial engagement that tested British air defenses to their limits. Price documents the German planning and objectives for this massive air assault, analyzing how Luftwaffe commanders sought to destroy RAF Fighter Command through concentrated attacks on radar stations and airfields. The book chronicles the British defensive response, showing how radar operators, fighter controllers, and pilots coordinated their efforts to counter the overwhelming German attack. The author provides detailed tactical analysis of individual air combats, using pilot reports from both sides to reconstruct specific engagements and analyze the factors that determined their outcomes. The work explores the technology and tactics employed by both air forces, examining how aircraft performance, armament, and pilot training affected combat effectiveness. Price documents the human cost of this intense day of fighting, honoring both British and German aircrew who lost their lives while examining the impact of these losses on unit effectiveness. The book analyzes the effectiveness of German bombing attacks on their intended targets, assessing the damage inflicted on radar stations, airfields, and aircraft production facilities. The author examines the role of British civilian defense organizations, showing how ground observers, air raid wardens, and rescue services contributed to the overall defensive effort. The work explores the psychological impact of intense combat on pilots from both sides, analyzing how stress and fatigue affected performance during sustained air battles. Price documents the intelligence aspects of the battle, showing how both sides attempted to assess the effectiveness of their attacks and the strength of enemy defenses. The book examines the strategic implications of this day's fighting, analyzing how the results influenced subsequent German planning and British defensive preparations. The author provides detailed weather analysis, showing how atmospheric conditions affected aircraft performance and tactical decisions throughout the day. The work includes comprehensive appendices with aircraft losses, pilot casualties, and unit assignments that serve as valuable reference material for researchers. Price analyzes the propaganda and public relations aspects of the battle, examining how both sides portrayed the day's events to their domestic audiences. Through exhaustive research and precise reconstruction, the author demonstrates how individual courage and tactical skill combined with technological capability and strategic planning to determine the outcome of this crucial air battle, contributing to the ultimate failure of German attempts to achieve air superiority over Britain and enabling the RAF to continue defending the British Isles against invasion.

Battle of Britain: The Hardest Day , is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.