List of RAF aircrew in the Battle of Britain facts for kids
This page is about the brave pilots and aircrew who flew during the Battle of Britain. These people were part of the Royal Air Force (RAF) or the Fleet Air Arm. They earned a special award called the Battle of Britain Clasp. To get this award, they had to fly at least one mission between July 10 and October 31, 1940. This list helps us remember "The Few" – the pilots who defended Britain from air attacks during World War II.
Contents
Remembering the Heroes
In 1942, a British government department called the Air Ministry decided to create a list. This list was for pilots and aircrew who died during the Battle of Britain. The goal was to build a special place to remember them.
The First Memorial
This special place became the Battle of Britain Chapel. It is located inside Westminster Abbey in London. King George VI officially opened it on July 10, 1947. Inside the Chapel, there is a "Roll of Honour." This is a special book that lists the names of 1,497 pilots and aircrew. They either died or were badly wounded during the Battle.
Defining "The Few"
For a long time, there was no official rule about who counted as a Battle of Britain airman. This changed on November 9, 1960. The Air Ministry published new rules. These rules explained exactly what was needed to get the Battle of Britain Clasp. They also listed the 71 RAF units that took part in the fighting.
A Personal Mission
In 1955, an RAF officer named Flt Lt John Holloway started his own project. He wanted to make a complete list of all "The Few." After 14 years of hard work, Flt Lt Holloway had 2,946 names on his list. Sadly, 537 of these airmen were killed during the Battle or later died from their injuries.
More Memorials
Later, a group called the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust was formed. It was started by Geoffrey Page. This group raised money to build another memorial. This one is called the Battle of Britain Memorial. It is located near Folkestone in Kent. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother opened it on July 9, 1993.
The site also has the Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall. This wall has the complete list of "The Few" carved into it.
London's Monument
On September 18, 2005, another monument was unveiled in London. This is the Battle of Britain Monument in London. It is on the Victoria Embankment. Charles, Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall opened it. The idea for this monument came from the Battle of Britain Historical Society. They also raised money to build it. The outside of the monument has bronze plaques. These plaques list all the Allied airmen who fought in the Battle.
Lists of Names
Here are links to the full lists of names:
See also
- Non-British personnel in the RAF during the Battle of Britain
- List of World War II aces from the United Kingdom
- List of World War II aces by country
- List of World War II air aces
