The War in Europe

In the summer of 1940, German forces quickly overran much of Europe. By mid 1940, England was the only European nation still fighting against Germany. In the Battle of Britain, Germany’s Luftwaffe tried to control the skies so it could launch a sea-borne invasion of Britain. However this tactic failed. Germany concentrated on bombing British cities, while the British attacked German supply centres.

Binbrook, Lincolnshire, England, May 1944. Members of the ground crews of No 460 Squadron RAAF at their RAF Station, in front of "G for George" the squadron's famous Avro Lancaster bomber, after the aircraft had been taken off operational flying in April 1944. A total of 90 operational missions had been flown. (Image  provided by AWM)

Australian RAAF volunteers were sent to Britain in large numbers, mostly as bomber and fighter crews. These men flew hundreds of dangerous missions eventually striking at the heart of Germany itself. When Russia and the USA entered the war during 1941, Germany faced overwhelming opposition. On D Day, 6 June 1944, the Allies launched an invasion of Europe from the west. At the same time Russia pushed towards Germany from the east. Germany finally surrendered on 8 May 1945.