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Q. What was the German aim and objectives in carrying out air
offensive against Britain in 1940? How did the Luftwaffe plan to
achieve German objectives? Discuss the RAF air defence against
Luftwaffe attack._ 2002 -KSR

Ans: 773 Words.

Introduction

1. On the process of conquering Europe, Hitler planed to invade Britain.

Consequently, “Op Sea Lion” was planed for a massive amphibious landing
across English Channel. However, control of the air was an essential before
the land invasion could take place. As such, Luftwaffe launched a massive
air offensive to wipe out RAF in air and on ground. In the air battle, namely
Battle of Britain, RAF successfully defended Luftwaffe by denying control of
the air.

German Aim and Objectives

2. The Germans were out aiming to invade Britain through a massive

amphibious landing across English Chanel. However, before the land
invasion could take place, the Germans rightly assessed the necessity to
gain control of the air and set the following objectives:

a. To interdict the British supply lines by attacking ports and

ships carrying food stuff (upon which population were
dependent) and war material such as POL into UK.

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b. To neutralize RAF threat against amphibious landing;

c. To cross the Channel and invade Britain.

Luftwaffe Plan

3. Luftwaffe estimated that it would take four days to defeat Fighter

Command, followed by another four weeks to eliminate the RAF. To achieve
the German objectives Luftwaffe planned mainly two actions:

a. Attacks on British ports and shipping in the English Channel to

draw RAF Fighters to destroy them over sea.

b. Air raids on RAF IADS and to destroy their fighter command

either in the air or on ground.

c. Achieve control of the air over English Chanel to help successful

invasion.

British IADS

4. RAF formulated their AD system right after the WWI. This system
included detection, tracking and communication through national telephone
lines. During inter war period they concentrated in building integrated AD
network. At the onset of WWII, RAF AD system (Dowding System) was
comprised of:

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a. Detection System. Radar was first introduced in this

war. The key surprise element of the British AD system was ground
based radars. By Jun 1940 UK had 52 radar stations (CH- Chain
Home) covering most of the South and East coast of England.
Regardless of clouds day or night these stations could pick up any
incoming raid at distances of 50 to 120 miles up to 10,000’ height.
They also established a chain of low looking radars (CH Low- Chain
Home Low) capable of picking up targets below 5,000’ AGL up to 30
miles. Visual observation was carried out by observer corps (30,000
Personnel) as well.

b. Command and Control. Monitoring and control of the

entire battle was done at the Fighter Command HQ. Fighter command
had integrated elements, those are: radar, fighter ac, observer corps,
AAA (3,000) and balloon barrage. Based on the progress of the battle,
commands would be issued to the Group HQs. The Group areas were
further subdivided into Sectors.

c. Weapon System. RAF fighters had an edge over German

fighters, which were primarily designed for ground support. Most of the
fighters were equipped with Browning machine gun. During the battle,
RAF had about 3,500 antiaircraft guns. Though, Germany used Jet
aircraft for the first time, still by end of Phase –IV German lost 1733ac
and British lost only 915 ac.

d. Electronic Warfare. British “Ultra” system could decode

German “Enigma” codes. RAF knew exactly where Luftwaffe were
heading for and at what numbers. This information helped Fighter
Command to plan scrambles in time. British used computer for the

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quick calculation of the heading on which to send the fighters

(improvised IFF capable) for accurate interception. They used
“Airborne Ciger” to jam a range of RT frequency. German blind
bombing technique with the help of Radio Paris and BBC Radio
stations was countered by British false signal like “Masking Beacon“,
“Bromide” etc.

e. Passive Air Defence. As a part of passive air def

measures RAF used balloon barrage. Camouflage-Concealment of
aircraft, radars and airfields helped RAF to reduce the effectiveness of
enemy air attack. British people also went underground for a long time
during the massive bombing over London.

5. German did not know much about Dowding System and were often
caught by surprise because of early detection, reporting and placing of RAF
defense units against their fighters and bombers at the right time at the right
place.

Conclusion

12. Luftwaffe went on offensive to destroy enemy while RAF was

defending by denying its enemy from achieving control of the air. British
radars could pick up enemy aircraft early and their fighters could intercept
and destroy them well before their targets. Britain’s defensive air strategy
and integrated air defence system with effective application of
Electromagnetic Spectrum helped RAF to contain Luftwaffe and paved the
way for German’s defeat.

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