All language subtitles for battle.of.britain.three.days.that.saved.the.nation.s01e03.1080p.web.h264-cbfm

CLOCK TICKS

The battle for France is over,

The battle for France is over,

the Battle of Britain
is about to begin.

the Battle of Britain
is about to begin.

TICKING CONTINUES

BELL RINGS

BELL RINGS

It's the summer of 1940.

It's the summer of 1940.

Hitler's forces are poised
to invade Britain.

Hitler's forces are poised
to invade Britain.

And all that stands in their way
are the men and women

And all that stands in their way
are the men and women

of the Royal Air Force.

As wave after wave of enemy bombers
make their way towards Britain,

As wave after wave of enemy bombers
make their way towards Britain,

As wave after wave of enemy bombers
make their way towards Britain,

commanders desperately try and

figure out where they will
strike next.

figure out where they will
strike next.

But this isn't the familiar
story of the Battle of Britain,

But this isn't the familiar
story of the Battle of Britain,

one of tactics, machines and
famous names.

one of tactics, machines and
famous names.

Over three nights we've been
exploring the lost

Over three nights we've been
exploring the lost

and forgotten tales of the
operations room workers,

and forgotten tales of the
operations room workers,

ground crews and pilots who put

ground crews and pilots who put

their lives on the line to
defend Britain.

their lives on the line to
defend Britain.

They've all heard of
the Battle of Britain,

They've all heard of
the Battle of Britain,

but they've never heard of Archie
McKellar.

We'll uncover forgotten documents

We'll uncover forgotten documents

that reveal the human cost
of the battle...

I guess he takes one out before.

I guess he takes one out before.

..and reliving moments of heroism.

..and reliving moments of heroism.

Even when my grandmother was
talking about it at the age of 94

Even when my grandmother was
talking about it at the age of 94

it always brought a tear to her eye.

For the last two nights we've
explored two key days

For the last two nights we've
explored two key days

in the twists and turns of
the battle.

Now, after almost two month's
fighting we've reached

Now, after almost two month's
fighting we've reached

the day that will decide everything.

the day that will decide everything.

The 15th September.

The Nazis are poised
for the final push

The Nazis are poised
for the final push

and Britain must risk everything
to survive.

and Britain must risk everything
to survive.

We will be telling the story
in minute-by-minute detail.

We will be telling the story
in minute-by-minute detail.

As we re-trace the 15th September
in the air...

As we re-trace the 15th September
in the air...

If that was real,
we'd have been hit full-on.

If that was real,
we'd have been hit full-on.

And on the ground.

It was the greatest battle
the RAF ever fought.

It was the greatest battle
the RAF ever fought.

But at its heart it was the people.

But at its heart it was the people.

This is the story of their
Battle of Britain.

This is the story of their
Battle of Britain.

7:00am Sunday the 15th September,
1940.

7:00am Sunday the 15th September,
1940.

7:00am Sunday the 15th September,
1940.

The Battle of Britain is entering
its third month.

The Battle of Britain is entering
its third month.

In Shoreham, Kent, despite the war,

In Shoreham, Kent, despite the war,

it's hop-picking season.

Today the sky is clear -
perfect flying weather.

Today the sky is clear -
perfect flying weather.

Today the sky is clear -
perfect flying weather.

Which means one thing.

Which means one thing.

Hitler's Air Force, the Luftwaffe,
will soon be here.

Hitler's Air Force, the Luftwaffe,
will soon be here.

Hitler's Air Force, the Luftwaffe,
will soon be here.

People in villages like this
were about to witness something

People in villages like this
were about to witness something

extraordinary in the skies,
the climax of the Battle of Britain.

extraordinary in the skies,
the climax of the Battle of Britain.

extraordinary in the skies,
the climax of the Battle of Britain.

Shoreham was in what was called
Bomber Alley, Luftwaffe bombers

Shoreham was in what was called
Bomber Alley, Luftwaffe bombers

Shoreham was in what was called
Bomber Alley, Luftwaffe bombers

had to come up this route here
from the Continent towards London.

had to come up this route here
from the Continent towards London.

But barring their way were the
Hurricanes and Spitfires

But barring their way were the
Hurricanes and Spitfires

of Fighter Command.

of Fighter Command.

The stage was set for what would be
the biggest air battle

The stage was set for what would be
the biggest air battle

The stage was set for what would be
the biggest air battle

in history, to that point.

in history, to that point.

Hitler is determined that the
invasion of Britain will go ahead

Hitler is determined that the
invasion of Britain will go ahead

just days from now.

Barges are poised to take
German troops across the Channel,

Barges are poised to take
German troops across the Channel,

Barges are poised to take
German troops across the Channel,

but invasion is only possible
if the RAF is destroyed first.

but invasion is only possible
if the RAF is destroyed first.

Today, the Nazis think this
is their moment.

Today, the Nazis think this
is their moment.

RAF pilots across the South East
are being monitored from the secret

RAF pilots across the South East
are being monitored from the secret

RAF pilots across the South East
are being monitored from the secret

11 Group bunker beneath Uxbridge,
West London.

11 Group bunker beneath Uxbridge,
West London.

Where 19-year-old WAAF Joan Fanshaw
has begun her shift.

Where 19-year-old WAAF Joan Fanshaw
has begun her shift.

Where 19-year-old WAAF Joan Fanshaw
has begun her shift.

After spotting an ad looking for
"educated young women,"

After spotting an ad looking for
"educated young women,"

just weeks later, Joan is now
tracking activity in Bomber Alley.

just weeks later, Joan is now
tracking activity in Bomber Alley.

just weeks later, Joan is now
tracking activity in Bomber Alley.

So far this morning it's been quiet.

So far this morning it's been quiet.

PHONE RINGS

Then a lone German aircraft
is spotted,

Then a lone German aircraft
is spotted,

checking if weather conditions are
suitable for an attack.

checking if weather conditions are
suitable for an attack.

Joan's position in the ops room is
over the hot spot,

Joan's position in the ops room is
over the hot spot,

Joan's position in the ops room is
over the hot spot,

the Dover to Calais crossing.

the Dover to Calais crossing.

Her job is to plot the position
of every enemy aircraft,

Her job is to plot the position
of every enemy aircraft,

there is no room for error.

They had to have intense
concentration.

They had to have intense
concentration.

Because it was a lot on the table
at one time.

Because it was a lot on the table
at one time.

Like a croupier as she described it,

Like a croupier as she described it,

you'd push the blocks
across the map. Right.

At first reading it out from a
teleprinter, later on the headphones

At first reading it out from a
teleprinter, later on the headphones

At first reading it out from a
teleprinter, later on the headphones

but it was all fed through, as you
say, via Bentley Priory to them.

but it was all fed through, as you
say, via Bentley Priory to them.

It's all part of the system

and they then fed it out to the
airfields who they then scrambled

and they then fed it out to the
airfields who they then scrambled

the aircraft and, of course,
the real thick of it took place.

the aircraft and, of course,
the real thick of it took place.

Joan's been keeping a secret diary,
recording life at Uxbridge.

Joan's been keeping a secret diary,
recording life at Uxbridge.

Joan's been keeping a secret diary,
recording life at Uxbridge.

"It's a marvellous place.

"It's a marvellous place.

"Our lives are going to be,
completely different now."

"Our lives are going to be,
completely different now."

The thing that strikes me, I mean,

I know it's a very obvious thing to
say, but she looks so young.

I know it's a very obvious thing to
say, but she looks so young.

She was a teenager.
19. Yes, it is young.

She was a teenager.
19. Yes, it is young.

19 and doing a job that proved to be
absolutely vital to the

19 and doing a job that proved to be
absolutely vital to the

19 and doing a job that proved to be
absolutely vital to the

success of the Battle of Britain.

success of the Battle of Britain.

20 miles away, at Croydon airfield,
28-year-old Scottish Hurricane

20 miles away, at Croydon airfield,
28-year-old Scottish Hurricane

20 miles away, at Croydon airfield,
28-year-old Scottish Hurricane

pilot, Archie McKellar,

is gearing up for another
punishing day.

is gearing up for another
punishing day.

He is enjoying a typical
RAF breakfast of bacon, eggs,

He is enjoying a typical
RAF breakfast of bacon, eggs,

cornflakes and coffee
with powdered milk.

cornflakes and coffee
with powdered milk.

We've already seen how on the
15th August, Archie shot down three

We've already seen how on the
15th August, Archie shot down three

We've already seen how on the
15th August, Archie shot down three

Nazi aircraft from his base
at Drem in Scotland.

Nazi aircraft from his base
at Drem in Scotland.

Now this ace has moved south with
605 Squadron, to help defend London.

Now this ace has moved south with
605 Squadron, to help defend London.

Now this ace has moved south with
605 Squadron, to help defend London.

Now this ace has moved south with
605 Squadron, to help defend London.

When he arrives in Croydon
he writes a letter home.

When he arrives in Croydon
he writes a letter home.

When he arrives in Croydon
he writes a letter home.

I thought you might like to see
this. Oh, wow.

I thought you might like to see
this. Oh, wow.

Why don't you have a read of that?

Wow.

"Dearest Dad and Mum.

"Dearest Dad and Mum.

"Herewith the news,
arrived doon here safe and sound,

"Herewith the news,
arrived doon here safe and sound,

"and by now we are fairly
comfortable as we have taken over

"and by now we are fairly
comfortable as we have taken over

"and by now we are fairly
comfortable as we have taken over

"ten little houses just outside
the aerodrome."

"ten little houses just outside
the aerodrome."

Oh, wow. It's quite incredible that
someone I've followed,

Oh, wow. It's quite incredible that
someone I've followed,

Oh, wow. It's quite incredible that
someone I've followed,

does as much research as I
can, exhausted my research online,

does as much research as I
can, exhausted my research online,

does as much research as I
can, exhausted my research online,

to actually have something in my
hand that he has written. Yeah.

to actually have something in my
hand that he has written. Yeah.

to actually have something in my
hand that he has written. Yeah.

In his writing.

Obviously, writing of the time as
well, it's very difficult to read.

Obviously, writing of the time as
well, it's very difficult to read.

It's incredible, it's lovely to hold
this. It's really, really nice.

It's incredible, it's lovely to hold
this. It's really, really nice.

It's incredible, it's lovely to hold
this. It's really, really nice.

Uh, I only wish my father could be
here today and see this, too.

Uh, I only wish my father could be
here today and see this, too.

Uh, I only wish my father could be
here today and see this, too.

Uh, I only wish my father could be
here today and see this, too.

Archie's letter reveals that
defending Bomber Alley and

Archie's letter reveals that
defending Bomber Alley and

keeping the Germans away from London
is now the number one priority.

keeping the Germans away from London
is now the number one priority.

keeping the Germans away from London
is now the number one priority.

"Fritzy is certainly trying to blow
hell out of the big bad city,

"Fritzy is certainly trying to blow
hell out of the big bad city,

"but is getting a thrashing at
the same time.

"but is getting a thrashing at
the same time.

"I've now managed to shoot down
three more bombers

"I've now managed to shoot down
three more bombers

"and a yellow-nosed ME-109,
one of the very super fighter Huns.

"and a yellow-nosed ME-109,
one of the very super fighter Huns.

"and a yellow-nosed ME-109,
one of the very super fighter Huns.

"The boys are all doing very well."

At 10:30

At 10:30

the fragile peace is suddenly
shattered.

the fragile peace is suddenly
shattered.

across the Channel in France,
Luftwaffe crews

across the Channel in France,
Luftwaffe crews

receive their orders.

Prepare to attack.

Radar picks up a signal from enemy
aircraft gathering out

Radar picks up a signal from enemy
aircraft gathering out

Radar picks up a signal from enemy
aircraft gathering out

there across the Channel ready to
head in towards Kent.

there across the Channel ready to
head in towards Kent.

In the 11 Group ops room,

In the 11 Group ops room,

Joan plots the progress of this vast
enemy formation of 300 aircraft.

Joan plots the progress of this vast
enemy formation of 300 aircraft.

Joan plots the progress of this vast
enemy formation of 300 aircraft.

If everything goes the Luftwaffe's
way, the invasion of Britain

If everything goes the Luftwaffe's
way, the invasion of Britain

If everything goes the Luftwaffe's
way, the invasion of Britain

is just a few days away, all
they need to do, is cripple the RAF.

is just a few days away, all
they need to do, is cripple the RAF.

is just a few days away, all
they need to do, is cripple the RAF.

It's mid-morning on the
15th September, 1940.

It's mid-morning on the
15th September, 1940.

In Kent, summer birdsong is about to
be replaced by the roar of combat.

In Kent, summer birdsong is about to
be replaced by the roar of combat.

In Kent, summer birdsong is about to
be replaced by the roar of combat.

At this very moment above the
Channel,

At this very moment above the
Channel,

300 Nazi planes are heading
for Britain.

300 Nazi planes are heading
for Britain.

Rare footage records the
enemy's preparations.

Rare footage records the
enemy's preparations.

It's never been seen before
on television because it was

It's never been seen before
on television because it was

shot by a German fighter pilot,
a man called Gunter Busgen.

shot by a German fighter pilot,
a man called Gunter Busgen.

shot by a German fighter pilot,
a man called Gunter Busgen.

The Nazis thought that the
Battle of Britain would be

The Nazis thought that the
Battle of Britain would be

another quick victory, they actually
issued cine cameras to many

another quick victory, they actually
issued cine cameras to many

of the pilots in order to record
propaganda for audiences at home.

of the pilots in order to record
propaganda for audiences at home.

This airfield's actually
called Coquelles,

This airfield's actually
called Coquelles,

it's just outside Calais
and it's, well, it's a

it's just outside Calais
and it's, well, it's a

different world to what's going on
just the other side of the Channel.

different world to what's going on
just the other side of the Channel.

But it's not that far away,
only about 35 miles from Kent.

But it's not that far away,
only about 35 miles from Kent.

I'm so used to seeing RAF fighter
pilots on the ground

I'm so used to seeing RAF fighter
pilots on the ground

and in the air that it's just
strange to see their opponents here.

and in the air that it's just
strange to see their opponents here.

and in the air that it's just
strange to see their opponents here.

It does change the way you
think about the Luftwaffe.

It does change the way you
think about the Luftwaffe.

For me they've always been portrayed
as the distant, the enemy.

For me they've always been portrayed
as the distant, the enemy.

You see them being shot down.

Here you develop some sympathy with
them because you're watching them,

Here you develop some sympathy with
them because you're watching them,

you're watching them smile and lark
about just like their adversaries.

you're watching them smile and lark
about just like their adversaries.

We know that Gunter's plane was
a Messerschmitt 109, it had

We know that Gunter's plane was
a Messerschmitt 109, it had

white 11 written on it.

Oh, there you go, white 11,
that's Gunter's plane.

Oh, there you go, white 11,
that's Gunter's plane.

Oh, there you go, white 11,
that's Gunter's plane.

Despite how familiar they appear,

the German pilots have a job to do.

the German pilots have a job to do.

To destroy the RAF.

To destroy the RAF.

We know that Gunter wasn't just
a great cameraman,

We know that Gunter wasn't just
a great cameraman,

he was a great fighter pilot
as well.

He shot down six RAF fighters
during the Battle of Britain.

He shot down six RAF fighters
during the Battle of Britain.

And on the 15th September 1940,
Luftwaffe pilots, just like Gunter,

And on the 15th September 1940,
Luftwaffe pilots, just like Gunter,

And on the 15th September 1940,
Luftwaffe pilots, just like Gunter,

And on the 15th September 1940,
Luftwaffe pilots, just like Gunter,

are heading for Britain,
to end the battle once and for all.

are heading for Britain,
to end the battle once and for all.

are heading for Britain,
to end the battle once and for all.

It's 11:18am.

A vast Luftwaffe attack force is
getting closer to the Kent coast.

A vast Luftwaffe attack force is
getting closer to the Kent coast.

A vast Luftwaffe attack force is
getting closer to the Kent coast.

BELL RINGS
RAF Fighter Command

orders a mass scramble.

27 RAF squadrons take to the air
over northern Kent, waiting.

27 RAF squadrons take to the air
over northern Kent, waiting.

27 RAF squadrons take to the air
over northern Kent, waiting.

Here in Dover, observers spot
the first wave of Luftwaffe

Here in Dover, observers spot
the first wave of Luftwaffe

Here in Dover, observers spot
the first wave of Luftwaffe

aircraft heading across the Channel.

aircraft heading across the Channel.

They're heading straight up
Bomber Alley towards London.

They're heading straight up
Bomber Alley towards London.

They're heading straight up
Bomber Alley towards London.

CLOCK TICKS

CLOCK TICKS

Furious dogfights break out
all around, and Archie McKellar

Furious dogfights break out
all around, and Archie McKellar

leads 605 Squadron into the mass
of German aircraft.

leads 605 Squadron into the mass
of German aircraft.

He shoots down two, which
disappear into the clouds.

He shoots down two, which
disappear into the clouds.

12:20.

In the skies are around 250
RAF planes,

In the skies are around 250
RAF planes,

battling to block the incoming enemy
onslaught and defend London.

battling to block the incoming enemy
onslaught and defend London.

Among them are the Polish pilots of
303 Squadron,

Among them are the Polish pilots of
303 Squadron,

including Ludwik Paszkiewicz,
who's already shot down four enemy

including Ludwik Paszkiewicz,
who's already shot down four enemy

including Ludwik Paszkiewicz,
who's already shot down four enemy

aircraft during the Battle
of Britain.

He and the other Poles
are patrolling over Folkestone

He and the other Poles
are patrolling over Folkestone

when they spot an enemy raid.

They engage and in the ensuing
battle eight Messerschmitts

They engage and in the ensuing
battle eight Messerschmitts

are shot down and two Dornier 17s.

are shot down and two Dornier 17s.

And Paszkiewicz shoots down one
of them.

And Paszkiewicz shoots down one
of them.

Despite Paszkiewicz's expertise,

Despite Paszkiewicz's expertise,

the RAF insists the Polish squadron
must be led by an English speaker.

the RAF insists the Polish squadron
must be led by an English speaker.

the RAF insists the Polish squadron
must be led by an English speaker.

I've come to the Sirkoski Museum,
to look at Paszkiewicz's journal.

I've come to the Sirkoski Museum,
to look at Paszkiewicz's journal.

I've come to the Sirkoski Museum,
to look at Paszkiewicz's journal.

It has an entry in Polish
for this day.

It has an entry in Polish
for this day.

What does he have to say about the
15th of September?

What does he have to say about the
15th of September?

Uh, being a typical Pole
he again complains about his leader.

Uh, being a typical Pole
he again complains about his leader.

Uh, being a typical Pole
he again complains about his leader.

SHE LAUGHS

SHE LAUGHS

He says, for example, his
leader didn't see the

He says, for example, his
leader didn't see the

German aircraft being in the area.

German aircraft being in the area.

And thanks to his manoeuvres the
whole squadron broke into pieces.

And thanks to his manoeuvres the
whole squadron broke into pieces.

And thanks to his manoeuvres the
whole squadron broke into pieces.

And thanks to his manoeuvres the
whole squadron broke into pieces.

He wasn't very impressed. Right.

So do you think that the Polish
pilots like Ludwik,

So do you think that the Polish
pilots like Ludwik,

So do you think that the Polish
pilots like Ludwik,

um, still felt slightly kind of
put out that they had a

um, still felt slightly kind of
put out that they had a

um, still felt slightly kind of
put out that they had a

British commander rather than a
Polish commander? Absolutely.

British commander rather than a
Polish commander? Absolutely.

They were questioning
the abilities, skills.

They were questioning
the abilities, skills.

For them they were just headless
chicken flying modern aircrafts

For them they were just headless
chicken flying modern aircrafts

For them they were just headless
chicken flying modern aircrafts

who had no experience, especially
with no combat experience.

who had no experience, especially
with no combat experience.

Whilst most of Polish pilots,
including Ludwik, they had massive

Whilst most of Polish pilots,
including Ludwik, they had massive

flying and fighting experience from
France and from Poland.

flying and fighting experience from
France and from Poland.

flying and fighting experience from
France and from Poland.

With their aggressive flying,
the Polish 303 Squadron

With their aggressive flying,
the Polish 303 Squadron

shot down 126 enemy planes.

shot down 126 enemy planes.

shot down 126 enemy planes.

Other squadrons managed around 90.

Other squadrons managed around 90.

12:30pm.

12:30pm.

The skies are still full of
250 RAF fighters

The skies are still full of
250 RAF fighters

and hundreds of enemy aircraft.

On the ground, five-year-old
Raymond Cornwell, from Shoreham,

On the ground, five-year-old
Raymond Cornwell, from Shoreham,

On the ground, five-year-old
Raymond Cornwell, from Shoreham,

is watching the action overhead.

is watching the action overhead.

So, that's the little boy that
watched Hitler's air force

So, that's the little boy that
watched Hitler's air force

So, that's the little boy that
watched Hitler's air force

heading to and from London
every day? Yes. 'fraid so.

heading to and from London
every day? Yes. 'fraid so.

And was the village ever attacked
from specifically? Yes.

And was the village ever attacked
from specifically? Yes.

And was the village ever attacked
from specifically? Yes.

And now this was one morning that
I certainly remember.

And now this was one morning that
I certainly remember.

A Messerschmitt 109E.

A Messerschmitt 109E.

It came from the south
up through Foulston Lane

It came from the south
up through Foulston Lane

It came from the south
up through Foulston Lane

and it was right, just at
treetop height.

and it was right, just at
treetop height.

It was very low
and I literally stopped

It was very low
and I literally stopped

and it went straight
across the village

and it went straight
across the village

and as it got as far as
Church Street

and as it got as far as
Church Street

it started, "Buh-buh-buh-buh!
Buh-buh-buh-buh!"

it started, "Buh-buh-buh-buh!
Buh-buh-buh-buh!"

This machinegun right up through
the village,

This machinegun right up through
the village,

and I think that upset one of the
people up there.

and I think that upset one of the
people up there.

and I think that upset one of the
people up there.

Jerry Sackett he said it killed
one of his rabbits.

Jerry Sackett he said it killed
one of his rabbits.

Jerry Sackett he said it killed
one of his rabbits.

Fortunately, no-one else was killed.

Fortunately, no-one else was killed.

Dogfights are now being fought all
over Kent.

Dogfights are now being fought all
over Kent.

One such dogfight happened
after midday,

One such dogfight happened
after midday,

when the fighting is at its peak.

The Spitfire pilot is 21-year-old
Tony Lovell of 41 Squadron.

The Spitfire pilot is 21-year-old
Tony Lovell of 41 Squadron.

The Spitfire pilot is 21-year-old
Tony Lovell of 41 Squadron.

On the 15th September Tony describes
attacking German fighters

On the 15th September Tony describes
attacking German fighters

On the 15th September Tony describes
attacking German fighters

just as the afternoon began.

He writes... "We broke up to
attack ME-109s

He writes... "We broke up to
attack ME-109s

"which were attacking us.

"which were attacking us.

"I sighted my 109 turning east
and diving.

"I sighted my 109 turning east
and diving.

"I dived after him and chased him
for some 15 miles

"I dived after him and chased him
for some 15 miles

"in and out of clouds."

"in and out of clouds."

The attack comes to a head over
Adisham Woods near Canterbury.

The attack comes to a head over
Adisham Woods near Canterbury.

The attack comes to a head over
Adisham Woods near Canterbury.

Amazingly, the German pilot that
Tony Lovell is chasing

Amazingly, the German pilot that
Tony Lovell is chasing

also recorded the incident.

also recorded the incident.

The ME-109 was being flown by
Luftwaffe pilot, Herbert Tszchoppe.

The ME-109 was being flown by
Luftwaffe pilot, Herbert Tszchoppe.

The ME-109 was being flown by
Luftwaffe pilot, Herbert Tszchoppe.

He also left a combat report,
and here it is.

He also left a combat report,
and here it is.

He says... "During a turn we were
attacked by Spitfires

He says... "During a turn we were
attacked by Spitfires

"coming out of the sun.

"coming out of the sun.

"My plane was hit in both wings.

"I wanted to get back to France,
thinking of my fiancee

"I wanted to get back to France,
thinking of my fiancee

"I wanted to get back to France,
thinking of my fiancee

"and I tried to hide in the clouds.

"and I tried to hide in the clouds.

"However, I was hit by a
second burst."

GUNFIRE

GUNFIRE

Tony Lovell has critically damaged
Tszchoppe's plane.

Tony Lovell has critically damaged
Tszchoppe's plane.

The German pilot has no choice
but to bail out.

The German pilot has no choice
but to bail out.

"A third burst hit home.

"An explosion followed and I found
myself hanging from a parachute.

"An explosion followed and I found
myself hanging from a parachute.

"An explosion followed and I found
myself hanging from a parachute.

"Two spitfires circled me, the first
pilot saluted and I did the same."

"Two spitfires circled me, the first
pilot saluted and I did the same."

"Two spitfires circled me, the first
pilot saluted and I did the same."

And these are the woods
in which he landed.

And these are the woods
in which he landed.

Tony Lovell continues fighting
until 12:45,

Tony Lovell continues fighting
until 12:45,

helping his squadron claim another
two German aircraft.

helping his squadron claim another
two German aircraft.

By lunchtime on the 15th September,

By lunchtime on the 15th September,

the Luftwaffe has lost 18 planes,
the British, 13.

the Luftwaffe has lost 18 planes,
the British, 13.

the Luftwaffe has lost 18 planes,
the British, 13.

Neither side knows if they will end

Neither side knows if they will end

this critical day with victory,
or defeat.

this critical day with victory,
or defeat.

It's the 15th September 1940.

It's the 15th September 1940.

After a morning of high drama
suddenly, all is quiet.

After a morning of high drama
suddenly, all is quiet.

After a morning of high drama
suddenly, all is quiet.

The enemy are at bay
and the RAF can pause for breath.

The enemy are at bay
and the RAF can pause for breath.

The enemy are at bay
and the RAF can pause for breath.

In the Uxbridge operations room,

In the Uxbridge operations room,

19-year-old Joan Fanshaw
finishes her shift,

19-year-old Joan Fanshaw
finishes her shift,

as her secret diary reveals.

as her secret diary reveals.

"September the 15th.

"September the 15th.

"On duty till nearly one o'clock
because Churchill was upstairs

"On duty till nearly one o'clock
because Churchill was upstairs

"and we could not change over
in a blitz."

"and we could not change over
in a blitz."

So would she, would she usually have
come off...? At 12, yes.

So would she, would she usually have
come off...? At 12, yes.

So she was a bit fed up...

"I was in a fit because I was going
to meet Eva and her father

"I was in a fit because I was going
to meet Eva and her father

"at Hammersmith at one o'clock.

"However, I found they were waiting
when I got there.

"However, I found they were waiting
when I got there.

"We were going to have lunch
when the sirens went

"We were going to have lunch
when the sirens went

"so we had to go to the shelter.

"so we had to go to the shelter.

So Churchill was actually at
Uxbridge. He certainly was.

So Churchill was actually at
Uxbridge. He certainly was.

So Churchill was actually at
Uxbridge. He certainly was.

There are several days where in her
diary she mentions Churchill

There are several days where in her
diary she mentions Churchill

being there and even the King
and Queen.

being there and even the King
and Queen.

And that's all she has to say
about it.

And that's all she has to say
about it.

That Churchill actually
scuppered her lunch plans.

That Churchill actually
scuppered her lunch plans.

That is pretty much what she's
saying. I love your mum!

That is pretty much what she's
saying. I love your mum!

That is pretty much what she's
saying. I love your mum!

The juxtaposition between the two,
isn't it? Yeah.

The juxtaposition between the two,
isn't it? Yeah.

It's really an extraordinary
business of what's going on

It's really an extraordinary
business of what's going on

in her workplace and then trying
to fit a social life around it. Yes.

in her workplace and then trying
to fit a social life around it. Yes.

Being scuppered by an air raid.

And Churchill, in fact, being
slightly scuppered by Churchill.

And Churchill, in fact, being
slightly scuppered by Churchill.

1300 hours.

1300 hours.

At RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire,

At RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire,

Flight Sergeant John Hannah
is fast asleep.

Flight Sergeant John Hannah
is fast asleep.

In another few hours,
he will be airborne.

In another few hours,
he will be airborne.

As a rear gunner in a
British bomber,

As a rear gunner in a
British bomber,

a two-engine plane designed to drop
bombs on the enemy.

a two-engine plane designed to drop
bombs on the enemy.

We all remember the famous speech by
Winston Churchill where

We all remember the famous speech by
Winston Churchill where

he praised the role of the fighter
pilots during the Battle of Britain.

he praised the role of the fighter
pilots during the Battle of Britain.

he praised the role of the fighter
pilots during the Battle of Britain.

"Never in the field of human

"conflict was so much owed by so
many to so few."

"conflict was so much owed by so
many to so few."

"conflict was so much owed by so
many to so few."

But what people tend to forget is
that in the same speech

But what people tend to forget is
that in the same speech

he goes on to praise the role of
Bomber Command pilots.

he goes on to praise the role of
Bomber Command pilots.

"We must never forget night
after night our bomber squadrons

"We must never forget night
after night our bomber squadrons

"travel far into Germany,
find their targets

"travel far into Germany,
find their targets

"in the darkness and inflict
shattering blows upon Nazi power."

"in the darkness and inflict
shattering blows upon Nazi power."

"in the darkness and inflict
shattering blows upon Nazi power."

Churchill was in no doubt of Bomber
Command's contribution to victory.

Churchill was in no doubt of Bomber
Command's contribution to victory.

Churchill was in no doubt of Bomber
Command's contribution to victory.

Like Archie McKellar,
Sergeant Hannah is a working class

Like Archie McKellar,
Sergeant Hannah is a working class

boy from Paisley, Scotland,
and has been in the RAF for a year.

boy from Paisley, Scotland,
and has been in the RAF for a year.

boy from Paisley, Scotland,
and has been in the RAF for a year.

But today is a day that will
change his life forever.

But today is a day that will
change his life forever.

On 15th September 1940,
18-year-old John Hannah

On 15th September 1940,
18-year-old John Hannah

On 15th September 1940,
18-year-old John Hannah

was on his way in a Hampden bomber
to attack German barges.

was on his way in a Hampden bomber
to attack German barges.

was on his way in a Hampden bomber
to attack German barges.

But there are no Hampdens
still left flying today,

But there are no Hampdens
still left flying today,

so I've come up in a very similar
aircraft, also a two-engine bomber

so I've come up in a very similar
aircraft, also a two-engine bomber

from the time, known as a
Bristol Blenheim.

from the time, known as a
Bristol Blenheim.

They were very restricted inside -

They were very restricted inside -

they were known as the
flying suitcase.

they were known as the
flying suitcase.

And we're off! And we're off.

So, John Hannah was a

wireless operator and a
machine gunner, apparently?

wireless operator and a
machine gunner, apparently?

Yeah, so he would have been in the
rear, in this aeroplane.

Yeah, so he would have been in the
rear, in this aeroplane.

How dangerous was it to be
a bomber crew in 1940?

How dangerous was it to be
a bomber crew in 1940?

The losses were huge.

You know, they would send a squadron
out to bomb various bridges

You know, they would send a squadron
out to bomb various bridges

and not one of them would come back.

If they did get struck by
enemy fire,

If they did get struck by
enemy fire,

was there any chance that the
crew might survive?

was there any chance that the
crew might survive?

If they were high enough,
they could bail out.

If they were high enough,
they could bail out.

There's a bailing out hatch in front
of you there, or the pilot

There's a bailing out hatch in front
of you there, or the pilot

would go through the roof, but the
chances of doing that successfully

would go through the roof, but the
chances of doing that successfully

would go through the roof, but the
chances of doing that successfully

were pretty small and lots of the
crews, actually,

were pretty small and lots of the
crews, actually,

simply didn't make that.

simply didn't make that.

After attacking German troop barges
near Antwerp in Belgium,

After attacking German troop barges
near Antwerp in Belgium,

After attacking German troop barges
near Antwerp in Belgium,

John and his crew are battered
by heavy anti-aircraft fire.

John and his crew are battered
by heavy anti-aircraft fire.

John and his crew are battered
by heavy anti-aircraft fire.

GUNFIRE

GUNFIRE

In the midst of an attack,
an incendiary projectile hits

In the midst of an attack,
an incendiary projectile hits

the aircraft and exploded
inside the bomb compartment.

the aircraft and exploded
inside the bomb compartment.

the aircraft and exploded
inside the bomb compartment.

A fire broke out,
which immediately engulfed John

A fire broke out,
which immediately engulfed John

and the tail gunner's positions.

and the tail gunner's positions.

Now, in order to fight that fire,
you've got to somehow

Now, in order to fight that fire,
you've got to somehow

manoeuvre your way around this tiny
aircraft, and that wasn't easy.

manoeuvre your way around this tiny
aircraft, and that wasn't easy.

manoeuvre your way around this tiny
aircraft, and that wasn't easy.

John started to move around the
aircraft, desperately trying

John started to move around the
aircraft, desperately trying

to fight the fire, the fuel tanks
had been punctured, so there

to fight the fire, the fuel tanks
had been punctured, so there

was a danger of it spreading and
engulfing the entire aircraft.

was a danger of it spreading and
engulfing the entire aircraft.

He found the extinguishers,
he used them both up.

He found the extinguishers,
he used them both up.

When the extinguishers had run out,

When the extinguishers had run out,

he beat the flames down with
his log book.

he beat the flames down with
his log book.

He looked back and saw that

the tail gunner had already
bailed out of the aircraft.

the tail gunner had already
bailed out of the aircraft.

By this stage, the heat was
so intense that the aluminium

By this stage, the heat was
so intense that the aluminium

was starting to melt, but he still
went on fighting the fire.

was starting to melt, but he still
went on fighting the fire.

Ammunition was exploding everywhere,
John was nearly blinded by the heat.

Ammunition was exploding everywhere,
John was nearly blinded by the heat.

Ammunition was exploding everywhere,
John was nearly blinded by the heat.

But he did manage to get
the fire under control,

But he did manage to get
the fire under control,

an act of extraordinary bravery,
heroism and skill.

an act of extraordinary bravery,
heroism and skill.

an act of extraordinary bravery,
heroism and skill.

And he crawled forward

and notified the pilot
that despite his terrible wounds,

and notified the pilot
that despite his terrible wounds,

and notified the pilot
that despite his terrible wounds,

the aircraft was safe and that they
could continue to fly in it.

the aircraft was safe and that they
could continue to fly in it.

For his incredible bravery,

John Hannah was awarded
the Victoria Cross.

John Hannah was awarded
the Victoria Cross.

John Hannah was awarded
the Victoria Cross.

At 18 he was the youngest recipient
in the Second World War.

At 18 he was the youngest recipient
in the Second World War.

BIRDSONG

BIRDSONG

CLOCK TICKS

CLOCK TICKS

2:00pm.

A second gigantic wave of Luftwaffe
aircraft, 550 strong,

A second gigantic wave of Luftwaffe
aircraft, 550 strong,

A second gigantic wave of Luftwaffe
aircraft, 550 strong,

is crossing the Channel.

At the Uxbridge nerve centre
plotters are tracking

At the Uxbridge nerve centre
plotters are tracking

the progress of a huge fleet of
German bombers.

the progress of a huge fleet of
German bombers.

RAF high command knows
the Luftwaffe are going to throw

RAF high command knows
the Luftwaffe are going to throw

everything they have at this,
their final push to crush the RAF.

everything they have at this,
their final push to crush the RAF.

everything they have at this,
their final push to crush the RAF.

In turn, the RAF is throwing

everything it has at defending
London.

everything it has at defending
London.

At one point Churchill,
sitting in his chair up there,

At one point Churchill,
sitting in his chair up there,

turns to Air Vice Marshal Park
and asks,

turns to Air Vice Marshal Park
and asks,

"How many aircraft do you have in
reserve?"

"How many aircraft do you have in
reserve?"

The answer is none.

at 2:25, Fighter Command risks
everything.

at 2:25, Fighter Command risks
everything.

at 2:25, Fighter Command risks
everything.

Every pilot takes to the air.

Every pilot takes to the air.

Among them is 19-year-old
William Hopkin,

Among them is 19-year-old
William Hopkin,

who we met defending the
south coast on the 15th of August.

who we met defending the
south coast on the 15th of August.

The rest of his squadron have been
sent north to rest,

The rest of his squadron have been
sent north to rest,

but William is considered fit
enough to keep flying,

but William is considered fit
enough to keep flying,

so today he's still on the
front line.

so today he's still on the
front line.

So he had no break whatsoever.

So he had no break whatsoever.

He then continued throughout
the busy period of September

He then continued throughout
the busy period of September

right through to the end of battle
at the end of October,

right through to the end of battle
at the end of October,

with no break, no rest,
no whatsoever.

with no break, no rest,
no whatsoever.

Um, and then then once the battle
was over.

Um, and then then once the battle
was over.

He then continued through till
the following August, September '41,

He then continued through till
the following August, September '41,

He then continued through till
the following August, September '41,

by which time he'd been in the
front line

by which time he'd been in the
front line

and operational daily for over
a year.

and operational daily for over
a year.

In fact, 14, 15 months.

And he was quite clearly exhausted,
fatigued.

And he was quite clearly exhausted,
fatigued.

And he was quite clearly exhausted,
fatigued.

And I suspect, you know,
today we probably start potentially

And I suspect, you know,
today we probably start potentially

might be calling in other things
to do to this day.

might be calling in other things
to do to this day.

But I do remember my mother telling,
telling me,

But I do remember my mother telling,
telling me,

that when she married him in '45
he was skin and bone

that when she married him in '45
he was skin and bone

that when she married him in '45
he was skin and bone

that when she married him in '45
he was skin and bone

he had had no weight on him,
no flesh on him at all.

he had had no weight on him,
no flesh on him at all.

he had had no weight on him,
no flesh on him at all.

He smoked like a trooper.

He smoked like a trooper.

He had had a dreadful tic,
constantly moving his head,

He had had a dreadful tic,
constantly moving his head,

all which were obviously indicative
of the long-term strain that

all which were obviously indicative
of the long-term strain that

all which were obviously indicative
of the long-term strain that

he was suffering from at that time.

GUNFIRE

The stress of combat is as high as
ever on the afternoon

The stress of combat is as high as
ever on the afternoon

of the 15th September.

As William intercepts a formation of
20 enemy aircraft over Beachy Head.

As William intercepts a formation of
20 enemy aircraft over Beachy Head.

As William intercepts a formation of
20 enemy aircraft over Beachy Head.

Three German bombers are destroyed,

Three German bombers are destroyed,

but William loses yet
another comrade.

but William loses yet
another comrade.

Despite his experiences,
William manages to fight on.

Despite his experiences,
William manages to fight on.

But for some pilots that day,
the pressure became too much.

But for some pilots that day,
the pressure became too much.

CLOCK TICKS

CLOCK TICKS

Dr Saleyha Ashan,
a former army medic,

Dr Saleyha Ashan,
a former army medic,

has found a document revealing
the RAF's attitude to those pilots.

has found a document revealing
the RAF's attitude to those pilots.

has found a document revealing
the RAF's attitude to those pilots.

So if someone presented with, they
might've said,

So if someone presented with, they
might've said,

So if someone presented with, they
might've said,

a nervous illness with psychiatric
symptoms, what was the protocol?

a nervous illness with psychiatric
symptoms, what was the protocol?

Today we would possibly think
of PTSD,

Today we would possibly think
of PTSD,

post-traumatic stress disorder,

post-traumatic stress disorder,

but that term today had a whole load
of different names at that time.

but that term today had a whole load
of different names at that time.

but that term today had a whole load
of different names at that time.

One of the things that they describe

One of the things that they describe

it as is lack of moral fibre.

it as is lack of moral fibre.

And if you were diagnosed with
lack of moral fibre,

And if you were diagnosed with
lack of moral fibre,

what happened to you?

It was like a death sentence
to your career and within

It was like a death sentence
to your career and within

the Air Force itself and beyond,
and beyond,

the Air Force itself and beyond,
and beyond,

the Air Force itself and beyond,
and beyond,

it was like being branded.

You were not you were not allowed
that normal natural reaction

You were not you were not allowed
that normal natural reaction

You were not you were not allowed
that normal natural reaction

to a horrific experience.

I think these young men were
trapped in a system where

I think these young men were
trapped in a system where

they faced death or disgrace. Yeah.

they faced death or disgrace. Yeah.

For most pilots, including the
young William Hopkin,

For most pilots, including the
young William Hopkin,

For most pilots, including the
young William Hopkin,

there was no choice but to keep
flying, and fighting.

there was no choice but to keep
flying, and fighting.

It's 14;30 on 15th September,

It's 14;30 on 15th September,

550 enemy planes are now over Kent.

550 enemy planes are now over Kent.

550 enemy planes are now over Kent.

William Hopkin is still fighting.

William Hopkin is still fighting.

And now Scottish ace, Archie
McKellar has re-joined the action

And now Scottish ace, Archie
McKellar has re-joined the action

And now Scottish ace, Archie
McKellar has re-joined the action

with 605 Squadron.

His combat report reveals the drama
unfolding in the skies.

His combat report reveals the drama
unfolding in the skies.

Now, what's what becomes clear from
this report that he wrote

Now, what's what becomes clear from
this report that he wrote

Now, what's what becomes clear from
this report that he wrote

at the end of the 15th of September
is that it wasn't just one formation

at the end of the 15th of September
is that it wasn't just one formation

at the end of the 15th of September
is that it wasn't just one formation

that they were taking on,
it was two.

that they were taking on,
it was two.

So he hit a bomber in that
first formation

So he hit a bomber in that
first formation

and then he talks about here
seeing another formation.

and then he talks about here
seeing another formation.

and then he talks about here
seeing another formation.

"I then noticed tracer going

"past my right wing from another
Messerschmitt.

"past my right wing from another
Messerschmitt.

"I dodged him and continued to climb
into the sun.

"I dodged him and continued to climb
into the sun.

"By this time another bomber
formation of 24 aircraft was

"By this time another bomber
formation of 24 aircraft was

"approaching with no obvious
fighter escort."

"approaching with no obvious
fighter escort."

So he carried on a head on attack
again on the leader

So he carried on a head on attack
again on the leader

of the formation and saw his Perspex
burst an enemy aircraft spun down.

of the formation and saw his Perspex
burst an enemy aircraft spun down.

of the formation and saw his Perspex
burst an enemy aircraft spun down.

Could you imagine what that must
have been like?

Could you imagine what that must
have been like?

I can't, no.

I've... I just couldn't.

It must have been so frightening,
but he was so determined. Yeah.

It must have been so frightening,
but he was so determined. Yeah.

It must have been so frightening,
but he was so determined. Yeah.

Such a determined... You know,
a very, very determined man.

Such a determined... You know,
a very, very determined man.

Such a determined... You know,
a very, very determined man.

I just...can't imagine
the level of bravery.

I just...can't imagine
the level of bravery.

I just...can't imagine
the level of bravery.

It was just something they did,
something they thought

It was just something they did,
something they thought

they had to do, to protect the
country, so that's what they did.

they had to do, to protect the
country, so that's what they did.

they had to do, to protect the
country, so that's what they did.

The wave of German aircraft by now
stretches for ten miles

The wave of German aircraft by now
stretches for ten miles

and is heading for London.

and is heading for London.

As the RAF attempt to break up
the swarm, fierce dogfights

As the RAF attempt to break up
the swarm, fierce dogfights

As the RAF attempt to break up
the swarm, fierce dogfights

break out over Romney Marshes,
Maidstone and Dartford.

break out over Romney Marshes,
Maidstone and Dartford.

The Polish 303 Squadron
is in action over Gravesend,

The Polish 303 Squadron
is in action over Gravesend,

and enemy bombers are now
over Surrey.

and enemy bombers are now
over Surrey.

The Nazi high command believe
that now, finally,

The Nazi high command believe
that now, finally,

London is theirs for the taking.

But the RAF has a powerful
new tactic.

But the RAF has a powerful
new tactic.

A big wing, or super-squadron of
56 planes flying in formation

A big wing, or super-squadron of
56 planes flying in formation

A big wing, or super-squadron of
56 planes flying in formation

at 16,000 feet, now arrives over
Maidstone.

at 16,000 feet, now arrives over
Maidstone.

at 16,000 feet, now arrives over
Maidstone.

It is a complete shock to the
Luftwaffe pilots who are now

It is a complete shock to the
Luftwaffe pilots who are now

faced with the most British fighters
they've ever seen.

faced with the most British fighters
they've ever seen.

They scatter.

But there is one German fighter
pilot who is determined to

But there is one German fighter
pilot who is determined to

ensure victory, Luftwaffe ace,
Adolf Galland.

ensure victory, Luftwaffe ace,
Adolf Galland.

Leading this gigantic Luftwaffe raid
is one of the Luftwaffe star pilots.

Leading this gigantic Luftwaffe raid
is one of the Luftwaffe star pilots.

Leading this gigantic Luftwaffe raid
is one of the Luftwaffe star pilots.

Yes. What's he expecting with his

fellow pilots when they arrive
over London?

fellow pilots when they arrive
over London?

Well, they're told that it's about
40 aircraft that they're

Well, they're told that it's about
40 aircraft that they're

going to encounter, which Galland
always believed was probably

going to encounter, which Galland
always believed was probably

highly inaccurate.

He estimated there'd be probably
twice as many.

He estimated there'd be probably
twice as many.

In fact, there was more than 250

aircraft that they encountered
on that day.

aircraft that they encountered
on that day.

And that was a total shock.

It must have been devastating for
their morale.

It must have been devastating for
their morale.

Well, it certainly was and it was
a completely unexpected encounter.

Well, it certainly was and it was
a completely unexpected encounter.

The German fighter forces were
completely overwhelmed.

The German fighter forces were
completely overwhelmed.

Suddenly the RAF has gained
the upper hand.

Suddenly the RAF has gained
the upper hand.

But the next few hours will be
critical.

It's Sunday 15th September, 1940.

It's Sunday 15th September, 1940.

So far two waves of Luftwaffe
bombers escorted by fighter

So far two waves of Luftwaffe
bombers escorted by fighter

aircraft have crossed the Channel
to attack London.

aircraft have crossed the Channel
to attack London.

It's mid-afternoon and that second
wave is pounding

It's mid-afternoon and that second
wave is pounding

Britain's capital city.

Britain's capital city.

The German bombers are carrying
120 tonnes of explosives.

The German bombers are carrying
120 tonnes of explosives.

But the sheer number of RAF aircraft
in the skies inflicts a

But the sheer number of RAF aircraft
in the skies inflicts a

serious psychological blow
against the Luftwaffe.

serious psychological blow
against the Luftwaffe.

Who are facing an unanticipated
defensive force.

Who are facing an unanticipated
defensive force.

In confusion, the German bombers
miss their targets

In confusion, the German bombers
miss their targets

and their bombs are scattered
randomly right across the city.

and their bombs are scattered
randomly right across the city.

The RAF push back the German raiders
with such ferocity

The RAF push back the German raiders
with such ferocity

that 50 Luftwaffe bombers turn
and flee to France.

that 50 Luftwaffe bombers turn
and flee to France.

German ace Adolf Galland fights on,

German ace Adolf Galland fights on,

notching up his 33rd kill,
taking out another Hurricane.

notching up his 33rd kill,
taking out another Hurricane.

But the RAF manage to break-up
the Luftwaffe's formations.

But the RAF manage to break-up
the Luftwaffe's formations.

A corner has been turned.

The German bombers
ditch their bombs in panic,

The German bombers
ditch their bombs in panic,

as the RAF chase them to the coast.

as the RAF chase them to the coast.

At 3:45, the last enemy bomber
disappears from the radar.

At 3:45, the last enemy bomber
disappears from the radar.

At 3:45, the last enemy bomber
disappears from the radar.

By mid-afternoon the fighting was
over for another day.

By mid-afternoon the fighting was
over for another day.

Around 1,500 planes had taken
part in the air battles.

Around 1,500 planes had taken
part in the air battles.

The RAF has had serious
losses today - 26 planes.

The RAF has had serious
losses today - 26 planes.

The RAF has had serious
losses today - 26 planes.

But for the Luftwaffe, it's far
worse.

But for the Luftwaffe, it's far
worse.

56 aircraft destroyed, the most on
any day in the Battle of Britain.

56 aircraft destroyed, the most on
any day in the Battle of Britain.

56 aircraft destroyed, the most on
any day in the Battle of Britain.

In Berlin, the alarm bells are
ringing.

In Berlin, the alarm bells are
ringing.

These losses are simply
unsustainable.

These losses are simply
unsustainable.

Stephen, at the end of the day,
on the 15th September, 1940,

Stephen, at the end of the day,
on the 15th September, 1940,

what has the Luftwaffe
learned about the RAF?

what has the Luftwaffe
learned about the RAF?

They were expecting to find
the RAF on its knees

They were expecting to find
the RAF on its knees

and in fact what they found was
a defensive force that appeared

and in fact what they found was
a defensive force that appeared

and in fact what they found was
a defensive force that appeared

to be, and was in fact, stronger
than ever before.

to be, and was in fact, stronger
than ever before.

to be, and was in fact, stronger
than ever before.

They'd spent all that time thinking
they were going to destroy them

They'd spent all that time thinking
they were going to destroy them

They'd spent all that time thinking
they were going to destroy them

and they realised that they were
just as far away from that goal

and they realised that they were
just as far away from that goal

as in August when they started.

as in August when they started.

They finally realised that they'd
spent a whole month getting

They finally realised that they'd
spent a whole month getting

They finally realised that they'd
spent a whole month getting

absolutely nowhere, it was a shock.

absolutely nowhere, it was a shock.

How important were these young men?

It's quite arresting to actually
come across genuinely modest men who

It's quite arresting to actually
come across genuinely modest men who

simply thought they were doing
their duty, which is what Churchill

simply thought they were doing
their duty, which is what Churchill

simply thought they were doing
their duty, which is what Churchill

asked the whole country to do,
if we do our duty, people will say

asked the whole country to do,
if we do our duty, people will say

this is their finest hour and that
for them, in many ways, it was.

this is their finest hour and that
for them, in many ways, it was.

this is their finest hour and that
for them, in many ways, it was.

this is their finest hour and that
for them, in many ways, it was.

1600 hours.

1600 hours.

With the skies now clear of Nazi
fighters, in the operations control

With the skies now clear of Nazi
fighters, in the operations control

room at Uxbridge, the tension eases.

room at Uxbridge, the tension eases.

Even the Prime Minister,

who's been watching the day's events
unfold, feels able to leave.

who's been watching the day's events
unfold, feels able to leave.

who's been watching the day's events
unfold, feels able to leave.

And Joan Fanshawe's secret diary
records the moment.

And Joan Fanshawe's secret diary
records the moment.

And Joan Fanshawe's secret diary
records the moment.

It's just a little bit more that it
comes up later

It's just a little bit more that it
comes up later

and that is that when Churchill did
disappear, all the girls then

and that is that when Churchill did
disappear, all the girls then

and that is that when Churchill did
disappear, all the girls then

went up and found his cigar
and carved it up amongst them.

went up and found his cigar
and carved it up amongst them.

So obviously he was well known
celebrity... Oh, really?

So obviously he was well known
celebrity... Oh, really?

..as a Prime Minister of course and

so it wasn't without some knowledge
of where they were.

so it wasn't without some knowledge
of where they were.

So they would keep little souvenirs
of bits of his cigar.

So they would keep little souvenirs
of bits of his cigar.

They did indeed. Funny. How funny.

They did indeed. Funny. How funny.

At the end of her shift,
clutching her cigar souvenir,

At the end of her shift,
clutching her cigar souvenir,

Joan left work and met her friend.

Joan left work and met her friend.

She never discussed her war work
till much later in her life, but her

She never discussed her war work
till much later in her life, but her

She never discussed her war work
till much later in her life, but her

secret diaries give us a personal
insight into those crucial few days.

secret diaries give us a personal
insight into those crucial few days.

secret diaries give us a personal
insight into those crucial few days.

But for the pilots on both sides of
this bitter conflict,

But for the pilots on both sides of
this bitter conflict,

the story did not completely end on
September 15th.

the story did not completely end on
September 15th.

Just 12 days later, pilot
Ludwik Paszkiewicz was shot down.

Just 12 days later, pilot
Ludwik Paszkiewicz was shot down.

He didn't survive the crash landing
in Kent,

He didn't survive the crash landing
in Kent,

his family would never see him
again.

his family would never see him
again.

And do we know whether
Paszkiewicz's, his wife

And do we know whether
Paszkiewicz's, his wife

and daughter survived the war? Yes.

and daughter survived the war? Yes.

His wife survived the war.

His wife survived the war.

Unfortunately, his daughter died

Unfortunately, his daughter died

only a year after
Paszkiewicz's death.

only a year after
Paszkiewicz's death.

She was ill and she passed away
in 1941.

She was ill and she passed away
in 1941.

For Archie McKellar it's been
a frantic day,

For Archie McKellar it's been
a frantic day,

but one he has made it through.

but one he has made it through.

I think the fact that they just
went into battle again and again

I think the fact that they just
went into battle again and again

I think the fact that they just
went into battle again and again

and again, multiple times a day,

and again, multiple times a day,

how they had the mental resilience
to do that.

how they had the mental resilience
to do that.

Incredible, absolutely incredible.

Incredible, absolutely incredible.

The enthusiasm as well.

After shooting down 21 enemy
aircraft Archie finally met his end.

After shooting down 21 enemy
aircraft Archie finally met his end.

After shooting down 21 enemy
aircraft Archie finally met his end.

He was shot down and killed
on November 1st,

He was shot down and killed
on November 1st,

just eight hours after
the Battle of Britain ended.

just eight hours after
the Battle of Britain ended.

Tony Lovell, who had forced
Herbert Tzschoppe to parachute

Tony Lovell, who had forced
Herbert Tzschoppe to parachute

into Adisham woods, died in a
crash landing three months after

into Adisham woods, died in a
crash landing three months after

the end of the war in Europe.

the end of the war in Europe.

Herbert Tszchoppe spent the next
six years as a prisoner of war,

Herbert Tszchoppe spent the next
six years as a prisoner of war,

Herbert Tszchoppe spent the next
six years as a prisoner of war,

during which he was married
to his fiancee back home by proxy.

during which he was married
to his fiancee back home by proxy.

during which he was married
to his fiancee back home by proxy.

When he finally returned to
Germany after the war,

When he finally returned to
Germany after the war,

he met his daughter
for the first time.

he met his daughter
for the first time.

John Hannah, awarded the
Victoria Cross aged 18 for bravery,

John Hannah, awarded the
Victoria Cross aged 18 for bravery,

John Hannah, awarded the
Victoria Cross aged 18 for bravery,

was left physically and mentally
scarred by his experiences.

was left physically and mentally
scarred by his experiences.

The story has a desperately sad
postscript.

The story has a desperately sad
postscript.

The following year he developed
tuberculosis

The following year he developed
tuberculosis

and that forced him to stop flying.

and that forced him to stop flying.

He became a taxi driver
in desperation to support his wife

He became a taxi driver
in desperation to support his wife

He became a taxi driver
in desperation to support his wife

and three small daughters.

He lost an unequal struggle in 1947,

He lost an unequal struggle in 1947,

dying on the 7th of June
just aged 26.

dying on the 7th of June
just aged 26.

dying on the 7th of June
just aged 26.

A year after September 15th,

William Hopkin was awarded
the Distinguished Flying Cross

William Hopkin was awarded
the Distinguished Flying Cross

William Hopkin was awarded
the Distinguished Flying Cross

and promoted to flight commander.

and promoted to flight commander.

He survived the war,
but died in 1971, aged just 49.

He survived the war,
but died in 1971, aged just 49.

He survived the war,
but died in 1971, aged just 49.

General Adolf Galland eventually
claimed 104 aerial victories.

General Adolf Galland eventually
claimed 104 aerial victories.

General Adolf Galland eventually
claimed 104 aerial victories.

He survived the war,
only dying in 1996.

He survived the war,
only dying in 1996.

He survived the war,
only dying in 1996.

He and many other pilots openly
blamed their high command for

He and many other pilots openly
blamed their high command for

the Luftwaffe's tactical blunders
during the Battle of Britain.

the Luftwaffe's tactical blunders
during the Battle of Britain.

the Luftwaffe's tactical blunders
during the Battle of Britain.

Historian David Baker met Galland,
who remained forever impressed

Historian David Baker met Galland,
who remained forever impressed

Historian David Baker met Galland,
who remained forever impressed

by the young British and
international pilots he faced.

by the young British and
international pilots he faced.

He looked me straight in the eye
and he said, "When we came to fight

He looked me straight in the eye
and he said, "When we came to fight

"the RAF, we finally had
an adversary worthy of us."

"the RAF, we finally had
an adversary worthy of us."

And that summed it up and it
summed up the approach he had toward

And that summed it up and it
summed up the approach he had toward

And that summed it up and it
summed up the approach he had toward

all RAF fighter pilots who fought
courageously for their side of the

all RAF fighter pilots who fought
courageously for their side of the

all RAF fighter pilots who fought
courageously for their side of the

battle and that sustained throughout
the war and long afterwards as well,

battle and that sustained throughout
the war and long afterwards as well,

battle and that sustained throughout
the war and long afterwards as well,

for the remainder of his life.

And as further testimony from his
words directly here.

And as further testimony from his
words directly here.

And as further testimony from his
words directly here.

"I can only express my highest
admiration for the British

"I can only express my highest
admiration for the British

"fighter pilots who although
numerically at a disadvantage,

"fighter pilots who although
numerically at a disadvantage,

"fought bravely and indefatigably.

"fought bravely and indefatigably.

"They undoubtedly saved their
country in this crucial hour."

"They undoubtedly saved their
country in this crucial hour."

The Battle of Britain raged for
113 long and perilous days

The Battle of Britain raged for
113 long and perilous days

The Battle of Britain raged for
113 long and perilous days

throughout the summer of 1940.

throughout the summer of 1940.

In the end it all came down to this
short, almost unassuming document.

In the end it all came down to this
short, almost unassuming document.

It was issued by the enemy's
High Command

It was issued by the enemy's
High Command

on the 17th September, 1940.

on the 17th September, 1940.

In it, they ordered that plans
for Operation Sea Lion,

In it, they ordered that plans
for Operation Sea Lion,

the invasion of Britain,

should be "vershoben", postponed,
until further notice.

should be "vershoben", postponed,
until further notice.

should be "vershoben", postponed,
until further notice.

The history books record that the

The history books record that the

Battle of Britain officially
ended on October 31st, 1940.

Battle of Britain officially
ended on October 31st, 1940.

But the tide turned on this
crucial day, September 15th.

But the tide turned on this
crucial day, September 15th.

But the tide turned on this
crucial day, September 15th.

But the tide turned on this
crucial day, September 15th.

And although the war would go on for
another four and a half years,

And although the war would go on for
another four and a half years,

it was this moment, this victory,

it was this moment, this victory,

that gave hope that the Nazis
may yet be beaten.

that gave hope that the Nazis
may yet be beaten.

And this was a victory of
the ordinary people,

And this was a victory of
the ordinary people,

not just the few, but the many,

not just the few, but the many,

the unsung, the forgotten heroes
who's bravery and sacrifice

the unsung, the forgotten heroes
who's bravery and sacrifice

ensured that Hitler would never
reach these shores.

ensured that Hitler would never
reach these shores.

This is their story.

This is their story.

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