Kanalkampf facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Channel Battle |
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| Part of the Battle of Britain | |||||||
 British ships under air attack, 14 July 1940 |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
Naval support: Netherlands Norway Canada Poland Belgium |
 Germany |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
 Hugh Dowding Keith Park Trafford Leigh-Mallory |
 Hermann Göring Albert Kesselring Hugo Sperrle Wolfram von Richthofen Alfred Saalwächter |
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| Units involved | |||||||
| 11 Group, 10 Group Fighter Command | Luftflotten 2 and 3 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| RAF: 115 fighters destroyed 42 fighters damaged 71 pilots killed in action 19 pilots wounded in action 4 pilots missing in action< Royal Navy: 35 merchant ships sunk (including neutrals) 7 fishing vessels several naval vessels 4 destroyers at least 176 sailors killed ~300 casualties |
Luftwaffe: 80 fighters destroyed 36 fighters damaged 22 Dive bombers destroyed 22 dive bombers damaged 100 medium bombers destroyed 33 medium bombers damaged 13 naval aircraft destroyed 1 naval aircraft damaged 201 airmen killed 75 airmen wounded 277 missing 16 airmen prisoner of war Kriegsmarine: c. 4 |
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The Channel Battle (called Kanalkampf by the Germans) was a series of air fights between the German Air Force (the Luftwaffe) and the British Royal Air Force (RAF). These battles took place over the English Channel in July 1940. They marked the beginning of the famous Battle of Britain during Second World War.
By June 1940, Germany had defeated the Allies in Western Europe. Britain refused to make peace. So, on July 16, Adolf Hitler ordered his armed forces to prepare for an invasion of Britain. This plan was secretly called Operation Sea Lion.
To invade Britain, Germany needed to control the skies over southern England. The Luftwaffe's job was to destroy the RAF and protect the invasion ships from the British Navy. To start weakening the RAF, the Luftwaffe began attacking British ships in the Channel. While historians disagree on the exact start date of the Battle of Britain, these attacks on ships and coastal targets began on July 4.
During the Channel Battle, the Luftwaffe got some help from shore artillery and fast German navy boats called Schnellboote (or E-boats). The RAF's Fighter Command found it hard to protect all the convoys (groups of ships traveling together). The Germans sank many British and neutral ships and shot down many British fighters. Because of these losses, the British Navy had to stop sending large convoys through the Channel for several weeks.
On August 1, Hitler ordered the Luftwaffe to expand its attacks to mainland Britain and RAF targets. The main air offensive against the RAF began on August 13, known as Adlertag (Eagle Day). The Channel Battle had successfully drawn out the RAF's fighters, as Germany had hoped. Both sides suffered losses, but the Luftwaffe had not managed to defeat the RAF. This meant Germany still hadn't gained control of the air needed for Operation Sea Lion.
Why the Battle Happened
After France Fell
After France surrendered in July 1940, Adolf Hitler decided that invading Britain would only be possible if Germany controlled the air. He believed that having air power over the invasion area would make up for the German Navy's weaknesses. So, on July 16, he ordered the Luftwaffe to stop all air attacks on the invasion force, destroy British coastal defenses, and break the British army's resistance.
The main air campaign against the RAF didn't start until August. In the time before that, the Luftwaffe moved its air fleets into northern France and Belgium, along the English Channel coast. This took time because they needed to set up communication systems and replace aircraft lost in earlier battles.
The German air force and army also had to repair damaged French and Belgian airfields and bridges. This meant that short-range planes like dive bombers and fighters were sent to airfields that often lacked basic services like electricity and running water. The German supply system was also struggling. For example, on July 8, only 20 out of 84 fuel tanks for aircraft had reached the main depot.
Germany's Plan
Normally, German military strategy focused on concentrating their forces. But after France surrendered, the Luftwaffe didn't immediately launch a full-scale attack on Britain. When Britain refused Hitler's peace offers, the Luftwaffe began preparing to force Britain to surrender. German Air Fleets 2 and 3 were moved to France and Belgium.
In June and July, there were occasional night attacks on British towns and coasts. These attacks were meant to keep civilians awake and lower their spirits. However, they were not very effective, and the British weren't sure what Germany's main goal was. These night operations did help the Luftwaffe practice using their night navigation equipment.
The head of the Luftwaffe, Hermann Göring, wasn't keen on attacking British ships. He felt the Luftwaffe wasn't ready for naval warfare. Göring also disliked the German Navy and its leader. He often refused to help the navy in its fight against the British Navy and merchant ships. Official orders always said that attacks on ships should come second to "military objectives."
Göring and the Luftwaffe High Command wanted to defeat the RAF first. They hoped that winning the air battle would convince the British government to make peace, avoiding an invasion. On July 11, the Chief of the Luftwaffe General Staff ordered attacks on coastal shipping. This was meant to be a warm-up for the main battle against the RAF. The commanders of Air Fleets 2 and 3 had already started these coastal attacks because they didn't have much else to do.
The Luftwaffe decided to attack coastal targets because they were easier to find than targets inland. Also, fighting over water meant that if RAF pilots had to bail out, they would face the same dangers as German pilots. The RAF didn't have a dedicated air-sea rescue service like the Luftwaffe. Attacking shipping also aimed to cut off supplies to London. The British could send ships around Scotland, but this would slow down their war effort.
British Air and Sea Defenses
Relations between the British Air Ministry (in charge of the RAF) and the Navy had been difficult for a long time. By 1940, things were a bit better, but the Air Ministry still worried about the Navy's plans. During the Dunkirk evacuation, the RAF provided fighter cover for British troops, which was costly for both sides.
The Navy often complained that the RAF wasn't coordinating well enough. They felt the RAF was fighting its own war without much thought for joint operations. Protecting shipping was a big challenge for the RAF because it required many fighters. About a third of the twelve convoys passing through the Channel each day were attacked. This put a huge strain on 11 Group, which was responsible for defending southeast England.
Coastal radar stations could only give short warnings of incoming raids. German aircraft could attack and quickly leave, making it hard for RAF fighters to intercept them. Keeping standing patrols (fighters always in the air) over convoys was tiring for pilots and gave the Germans a tactical advantage.
The head of Fighter Command, Hugh Dowding, had to decide how best to use his forces. He believed that airfields and factories would be attacked, as well as convoys and ports, to draw RAF fighters into battle and cause losses. On July 3, Dowding asked for convoys to be rerouted around Scotland to reduce the need for escorts along the south coast. This would save Fighter Command for the main battle. However, the Air Ministry later told him to meet the Luftwaffe with large groups of fighters over shipping. Even Winston Churchill suggested using convoys as "bait" to lure German bombers. This tactic worked, but fighting over the sea caused the RAF more losses.
Secret Intelligence
Britain's secret code-breaking efforts, especially at Bletchley Park, played a big role. They could read some of the German Luftwaffe messages. In late June, these messages showed that the Luftwaffe was getting ready to attack Britain from Belgium and Holland. They also revealed that most bomber units would be ready by July 8.
This intelligence helped the British predict the start of the German offensive. It also helped them understand the Luftwaffe's organization and equipment. For example, the British initially thought Germany had 2,500 bombers, but code-breaking helped them realize the true number was closer to 1,500–1,700.
As the Channel Battle continued, secret messages gave more warnings about targets, timing, and raid sizes. However, sometimes this information came too late, or the Luftwaffe changed its plans quickly. British listening stations also intercepted German radio conversations between aircraft and ground control. These conversations could sometimes warn Fighter Command about German formations, their height, and whether they were fighters or bombers.
The Channel Battle Begins
Early July Attacks
On July 1, 1940, German reconnaissance planes flew over the Channel. British fighters shot down some of them. The Germans also attacked a British convoy near Portsmouth, but the dive bombers left before RAF fighters arrived.
On July 2, German dive bombers attacked Convoy OA 177G. They sank one British ship, the Aeneas, killing 18 crew members. Another ship, the Baron Ruthven, was damaged.
July 4: Portland and Convoys Attacked
In the morning of July 4, the Luftwaffe attacked Portland harbour. German dive bombers, called Stukas, attacked the armed ship HMS Foylebank. The ship was hit by many bombs, and 176 sailors were killed. The Stukas also sank other merchant ships and damaged more. One German Stuka was shot down by Foylebank gunners.
Later that day, the Luftwaffe attacked Convoy OA 178. Several ships were sunk, and others were damaged. In the evening, German bombers attacked shipping off Dover. One British fighter was shot down, and its pilot was killed. This day was a success for the Luftwaffe, causing the worst loss of life for British military personnel in Britain. The British Navy complained to the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, who demanded that Fighter Command do more to protect Channel shipping.
July 5–9: More Attacks and Lessons Learned
Poor weather limited operations on July 5. On July 6, the RAF moved some squadrons closer to the coast to prepare for more German attacks. Convoy patrols restarted on July 7. German fighter units were encouraged to fly "free hunts" to engage RAF fighters without protecting bombers. This led to more air battles, with both sides suffering losses.
On July 8, the weather favored the Luftwaffe with thick cloud cover. A large British convoy was attacked near Dover. RAF fighters intercepted the Germans, and fierce dogfights took place. Both sides lost aircraft and pilots.
On July 9, the Germans used their twin-engine fighters, called Zerstörer (Destroyers), in large numbers for the first time. A big German formation of 100 bombers and fighters was detected. RAF fighters engaged them, but the German fighters protected their bombers well. Several ships were hit, but no major damage was done to the convoy. Later, German dive bombers attacked Portland naval base again.
Key Battles of the Channel Battle
July 10: Convoy CW 3
On July 10, the German Air Force focused on attacking shipping. The commander of a German bomber wing, Johannes Fink, was put in charge of the "Channel Battle." He decided that twin-engine fighters would fly close to the bombers, while single-engine fighters would fly higher to engage British planes.
A large German formation attacked Convoy CW 3. The RAF sent several squadrons to intercept. A huge dogfight involving about 100 aircraft broke out. It was hard for the RAF fighters to coordinate their attacks because their radios were full of chatter. One British Hurricane fighter collided with a German bomber, and both crashed. Despite the intense fighting, only one small ship was sunk in the convoy. Both sides lost several aircraft.
July 11: Portland Attacked Again
On July 11, German dive bombers attacked shipping along the coast. They sank a British steam yacht. RAF fighters tried to intercept but were outnumbered by German fighters. Later, more German dive bombers attacked Portland again. This time, they were escorted by about 40 twin-engine fighters.
A fierce dogfight happened near the Dorset coast. Several German twin-engine fighters were shot down, including one flown by Hermann Göring's nephew, who was killed. The British also lost some fighters. Despite the attacks, little damage was done to Portland harbour.
July 12: Convoys Booty and Agent
On July 12, two large convoys, Booty and Agent, were sailing off the English coast. German and Italian aircraft attacked Convoy Booty. RAF fighters intercepted the bombers, shooting down several. The bombers flew in tight formations, making it hard for the Hurricanes to break through their defensive fire. British trawlers rescued German aircrew from the sea.
One British steamer, the Hornchurch, was sunk. Another, the Josewyn, was damaged. The Luftwaffe tried to find and attack more convoys but failed.
July 13–18: Continued Skirmishes
Over the next few days, smaller convoys continued to sail through the Channel. German aircraft kept searching for them. On July 13, a convoy was attacked by German dive bombers and fighters. Several aircraft were lost on both sides. A British destroyer, HMS Vanessa, was damaged by near-misses.
Bad weather reduced operations for a few days. On July 14, German dive bombers attacked convoys again. A BBC reporter even recorded the air battle. On July 15, more ships were sunk or damaged. The RAF also shot down several German planes.
By July 17, the Channel Battle was taking a toll on Fighter Command. Constant patrols, often over the sea, and poor weather were tiring out pilots. The RAF was losing experienced leaders, and less experienced pilots were taking their places.
July 19: Defiant Disaster
On July 19, nine convoys were at sea. The RAF sent a squadron of Boulton Paul Defiant fighters to escort a convoy. The Defiant was a new type of fighter with its guns in a turret behind the pilot. However, German pilots quickly learned to attack them from the front or below, where the turret guns couldn't fire.
German fighters spotted the Defiants and attacked. Four Defiants were shot down on the first pass, and another was lost soon after. The RAF lost ten aircraft that day, while the Luftwaffe lost four. This was the worst defeat for Fighter Command during the Channel Battle. The Germans were more experienced and used better tactics, like the "finger-four" formation, which gave their pilots a better view of the sky.
Later that day, German dive bombers attacked Dover harbour. They sank one ship and damaged others.
July 20: HMS Brazen Sunk
On July 20, a German reconnaissance plane spotted a convoy called Bosom. German dive bombers, escorted by many fighters, attacked the convoy. RAF fighters intercepted them, and a long dogfight began. Several aircraft were shot down on both sides.
While the RAF fighters were busy, the German dive bombers attacked the convoy. The coaster Pulborough was sunk. The destroyer HMS Brazen was hit several times and broke in two.
July 21–24: Convoy CW 7
On July 21, the RAF set up constant patrols of twelve fighters over Convoy CW 7 as it passed through the Strait of Dover. German aircraft attacked, but the RAF fighters engaged them, shooting down some. The ships were not damaged.
July 25: Convoy CW 8
On July 25, the Luftwaffe tried to exhaust the RAF's standing patrols by sending out waves of fighters and bombers. Once the British fighters were low on fuel, large bomber formations would attack the convoys.
Convoy CW 8, with 21 ships, was attacked by German bombers and fighters. Fierce air battles took place. The Germans lost several fighters, and the British also lost some. The convoy was attacked by dive bombers, and five ships were sunk, with four damaged, including two destroyers. German E-boats also attacked the convoy, hitting three ships with gunfire.
July 26–27: Dover Strait Closed
On July 26, more German dive bombers attacked Convoy CW 8. The RAF fighters intercepted them, but both sides suffered losses. By dusk, the British Navy decided that the losses to merchant shipping were too high. They canceled all traffic through the Dover Strait.
On July 27, German dive bombers attacked a convoy departing Portland. RAF fighters tried to intercept but were outnumbered. Later, German bombers attacked shipping off Dover, sinking two destroyers, HMS Codrington and HMS Wren. Because of these losses, the Navy decided to stop using Dover as a base for destroyers.
July 28–29: More Losses and Withdrawals
On July 28, a large German raid headed for Dover. RAF fighters intercepted them, and a major dogfight occurred. The German fighter leader, Werner Mölders, was wounded. Both sides lost aircraft.
On July 29, German dive bombers attacked Dover harbour again. The RAF fighters engaged them, and although some British planes were lost, the harbour suffered little damage. German bombers also attacked convoys at low altitude, but without much success.
Later that day, German dive bombers sank the destroyer HMS Delight off Portland. The ship was crippled and on fire. The British Navy then withdrew all destroyer fleets from the Channel and ordered that no convoys should sail through the Channel in daylight. This was a big success for the Germans, but it also meant fewer targets for the Luftwaffe in the Channel.
Final Days of the Channel Battle
August 7–8: Convoy CW 9 (Peewit)
On August 7, Convoy CW 9, code-named Peewit, sailed from Southend. German reconnaissance planes spotted the convoy. Later, German E-boats attacked the convoy at night, sinking three ships.
The next morning, August 8, the convoy was scattered. German dive bombers, escorted by fighters, attacked the ships. Several ships were sunk or severely damaged. RAF fighters arrived and engaged the Germans in fierce dogfights. Both sides suffered significant losses of aircraft and pilots.
August 11: Large Raids
On August 11, the weather improved, and the Germans launched larger air operations. The Luftwaffe attacked RAF groups and ships in the Channel. They hoped to draw out and spread out Fighter Command.
In the morning, German twin-engine fighters attacked Dover, trying to destroy barrage balloons. RAF fighters intercepted them, and a quick air battle took place.
Later, a very large German raid, consisting of bombers and many fighters, approached Portland. This was the biggest raid yet against a British target. RAF squadrons were scrambled to meet them. A large dogfight broke out, with many aircraft involved. The Germans hit oil storage tanks and damaged two destroyers. Both sides lost many aircraft and pilots.
Another raid followed, attacking Convoys Agent and Arena. More air battles occurred, with both sides losing aircraft. The Germans sank two naval trawlers.
August 12: Artillery and Aftermath
On August 12, the Germans began to bombard convoys with long-range artillery guns placed at Cap Gris Nez in France. While these bombardments were stressful for the ship crews, none of the ships were actually hit.
After the operations against Convoy CW 9, the Luftwaffe shifted its focus to targets inland. Although coastal convoys remained vulnerable, shipping traffic continued. The losses to the Luftwaffe were a small part of the total shipping that sailed along the south coast during the Channel Battle. However, at its peak, the Germans sank or damaged about one-third of the ships off the south coast. If these losses had continued, it would have been impossible to find new crews for the ships.
What Happened Next?
Losses and Outcomes
| Loss | RAF | Luftwaffe |
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| shot down | 115 | 215 |
| damaged | 42 | 92 |
| total | 157 | 307 |
From July 10 to August 10, the RAF shot down 227 German aircraft while losing 96 of its own fighters. The Luftwaffe lost 201 airmen killed, 75 wounded, 277 missing, and 16 taken prisoner. They lost 80 fighters and 36 damaged, 22 dive bombers destroyed and 22 damaged, and 100 medium bombers destroyed and 33 damaged.
The RAF lost 71 pilots killed, 19 wounded, and 4 missing. They lost 115 fighters destroyed and 42 damaged. The Merchant Navy and neutral countries lost 35 ships sunk, plus seven fishing vessels. The British Royal Navy lost four destroyers, with at least 176 sailors killed and about 300 total casualties.
The Channel Battle was costly for both sides. If the RAF had not increased its efforts to protect convoys, the shipping route through the Channel might have had to be completely abandoned.
Images for kids
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A Bf 110 fighter plane.
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A Heinkel He 59 rescue plane.
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HMS Vanessa, a destroyer damaged in the battle.
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HMS Brazen, sinking after an air attack.
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HMS Codrington, sunk on July 27, 1940.
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HMS Boreas, damaged while escorting a convoy.
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A British Spitfire flies over a German Bf 109.
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RAF pilots look at a shot-down German dive bomber.
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An 85 Squadron Hurricane.
