All Battles

Kanalkampf

1940 • Ärmelkanal Luftkrieg
A British convoy under attack by German dive bombers 14 July 1940

A British convoy under attack by German dive bombers 14 July 1940

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Source

Historical Overview

The Kanalkampf was the German term for air operations by the Luftwaffe against the Royal Air Force (RAF) over the English Channel in July 1940, beginning the Battle of Britain during the Second World War. By 25 June, the Allies had been defeated in Western Europe and Scandinavia. Britain had rejected peace overtures and on 16 July, Adolf Hitler issued Directive 16 to the Wehrmacht, ordering preparations for an invasion of Britain, under the codename Unternehmen Seelöwe.

Quick Facts

Outcome:Draw.

German Army

  • Commander: Hugo Sperrle
  • Strength: ca. 800 Flugzeuge
  • Casualties: ca. 250 Flugzeuge

RAF

  • Commander: Keith Park
  • Strength: ca. 600 Flugzeuge
  • Casualties: ca. 150 Flugzeuge

Strategic Context

Testing British coastal defenses and radar stations.

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