RAF lost nearly 900 in battle

The Battle of Britain was a major air campaign fought in the skies over Britain in 1940 and was the first decisive battle in history fought entirely in the air.

A total of 544 RAF aviators lost their lives in the battle. A further 312 RAF personnel were killed on the ground. The RAF continues to commemorate their sacrifice, as well as thousands of British civilians who were killed or wounded in the bombing, and the thousands of German aircrew who didn’t return home.

Eighty years on from the Battle of Britain, the RAF continues to monitor and protect the skies of the United Kingdom.

RAF personnel are on constant alert, every minute of every day, ready to swiftly launch armed aircraft to protect the UK’s airspace.

Today, thousands of people serve the RAF on a part-time basis as members of the RAF Reserves.

They perform roles in areas including Intelligence, RAF Police, RAF Regiment, RAF Regiment, Media Operations, Medical, Admin support and Logistics.

They serve in 21 squadrons across the UK, including the squadron Robert Findlay Boyd flew with during the Battle of Britain.

A total of 14 squadrons of the Auxiliary Air Force (now known as the Royal Auxiliary Air Force), fought in the Battle of Britain.