Description
Book SynopsisThis history, based on an exhaustive study of German records, explores The Battle of Britain through the eyes of the Luftwaffe. Over the past 80 years, histories of the Battle of Britain have consistently portrayed the feats of The Few' (as they were immortalized in Churchill's famous speech) as being responsible for the RAF's victory in the epic battle. However, this is only part of the story. The results of an air campaign cannot be measured in terms of territory captured, cities occupied or armies defeated, routed or annihilated. Successful air campaigns are those that achieve their intended aims or stated objectives. Victory in the Battle of Britain was determined by whether the Luftwaffe achieved its objectives. The Luftwaffe, of course, did not, and this detailed and rigorous study explains why. Analysing the battle in its entirety in the context of what it was history's first independent offensive counter-air campaign against the world's first integrated air defence system
Trade ReviewAn incredible book offering insights into the crucial air battle over England never before revealed. It provides an operational-level view of the war from the German perspective yielding a unique study that is a must-read for students and practitioners of airpower alike. -- Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.); Dean, Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Superbly illustrated book...
To Defeat the Few will find pride of place on the shelves of many readers, offering an interesting and intermediate level between the entirely strategic study of this campaign and the battles as close as possible to the pilots and crew. * Aerostories.org *
Unlike previous literary works on the subject, this brilliantly written and epic rendering details the Luftwaffe’s all-out attempt to crush RAF Fighter Command during the two most decisive months of the Battle of Britain from the
German perspective. The authors have successfully placed the reader behind the Luftwaffe’s strategic and tactical decisions employed in their quest to establish air-superiority for their planned cross-Channel invasion. This deeply researched work is of the highest quality containing original photos, illustrations, charts, and graphs on almost every page in support of their script and belongs in every library of those interested in the historical defense of England during this most critical time of World War II! -- Rick Bishop, Lt Col, USAF (Ret)
This is a very worthwhile book and represents a more than laudable effort on the part of Douglas Dildy and Paul Crickmore... a 'must have/must read' for those who study the battle. Highly recommended. -- Andy Saunders * Iron Cross *
Table of ContentsForeword by Paul E. Eden Prologue 1.
Westfeldzug: Why the Battle of Britain occurred 2.
Fall Gelb: Prologue to the Battle of Britain 3. Dunkirk: Triumph without victory 4. ‘
Was nun?’: Hitler’s strategic options, July 1940 5. The Luftwaffe’s Capabilities: Germany’s only real means to defeat Great Britain 6. The Luftwaffe’s Opponent: RAF Fighter Command 7.
Kanalkampf (Channel Battle): The Luftwaffe’s maritime air campaign 8.
Seelöwe (
Sea Lion): Hitler’s plan to invade Britain 9. Adlerangriff Stage 1: 12–16 August 1940 10. Adlerangriff Stage 2: 17–19 August 1940 11. Adlerangriff Stage 3: 24 August to 6 September 1940 12. Adlerangriff Stage 4: 7–17 September 1940 13. Defeat Dies Slowly: 17 September through 31 October 1940 14. Analysis: Assessing the Battle of Britain from the Luftwaffe’s perspective Appendices Glossary Bibliography Endnotes Index
