The Battle of Britain was a major air campaign fought over southern England in the summer and autumn of 1940. ... The Battle of Britain was ultimately a test of strength between the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) and the RAF. The RAF had become an independent branch of the British armed forces in 1918.
It was a battle fought between the German Luftwaffe and the British RAF that was fought in the skies. The Germans tried bombing London while the RAF defended it. It lasted from July 10, to October 31.
It held a virtual monopoly on trade between Europe and Asia as it controlled many of the trade routes. ... It gained control of most land routes to East Asia.
