WW2 Forum - View Single Post - Battle of Britain fighter pilots badly trained

Adrian Roberts · 03-11-2007, 01:43 AM

Nevertheless, during the Battle of Britain, the RAF lost 902 aircraft and the Luftwaffe 1598. Which is less than than a one to two kill ratio, but 1598 was a lot to lose.

(figures from http://www.battle-of-britain.com/ . Are they saying such figures are incorrect? Does anyone know of a site (or even a book...) listing the specific aircraft lost?)

Isn't it true to say that the Germans called off Operation Sealion after the losses of September 15th? And that the Germans lost a quarter of their experienced front-line aircrew in the BofB , and that after the war Galland said that the BofB broke the Luftwaffe, and it was never the same afterwards?

Undoubtedly the Germans were also concerned about the Royal Navy's ability to disrupt any landings, and about the army's ability to resist. But it seems highly revisionist to play down the RAF's part. Just how inexperienced some of the Few were is not proof of the RAF playing a secondary part.

03-11-2007, 01:43 AM	#6 (permalink)
Adrian Roberts Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: West Wickham, Kent Posts: 470 You're Top Poster: #10 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 1	Nevertheless, during the Battle of Britain, the RAF lost 902 aircraft and the Luftwaffe 1598. Which is less than than a one to two kill ratio, but 1598 was a lot to lose. (figures from http://www.battle-of-britain.com/ . Are they saying such figures are incorrect? Does anyone know of a site (or even a book...) listing the specific aircraft lost?) Isn't it true to say that the Germans called off Operation Sealion after the losses of September 15th? And that the Germans lost a quarter of their experienced front-line aircrew in the BofB , and that after the war Galland said that the BofB broke the Luftwaffe, and it was never the same afterwards? Undoubtedly the Germans were also concerned about the Royal Navy's ability to disrupt any landings, and about the army's ability to resist. But it seems highly revisionist to play down the RAF's part. Just how inexperienced some of the Few were is not proof of the RAF playing a secondary part.