THE OTHER FEW. The contribution made by Bomber and Coastal Aircrew to the Winning of the Battle of Britain.

The contribution made by Bomber and Coastal Aircrew to the Battle of Britain. The exploits of Churchill’s famous ‘Few’ the fighter pilots of the Battle of Britain, are well documented; not so the work and sacrifices of the Bomber and Coastal Command crews who also fought in this period. The Summer of 1940 was a critical time for Britain, which stood alone against Nazi Germany. Invasion by sea was believed to be imminent and every effort had to be made to prevent it. Day after day and night after night an assortment of aircraft not normally associated with the Battle of Britain set off across the Channel and North Sea. Ansons, Battles, Blenheims, Hampdens, Hudsons, Wellingtons and Whitleys made hazardous reconnaissance, bombing, convoy escort and air-sea rescue sorties. Many of the gallant crews lost their lives to Messerschmitts, Flak and the elements; yet their vital contribution to the battle and their sacrifices have gone unrecorded.