Air force 1: Battle of Britain and No. 1 Squadron

Pilots of No. 1 Squadron during Battle of Britain including CO S/L E.A. "Ernie" McNab. Photograph. Library and Archives Canada, Archives / Collections and Fonds, number 4816403. Collection search - Pilots of No. 1 Squadron during Battle of Britain including CO S/L E.A. "Ernie" McNab

After the fall of France, the Nazis attempted to seize air superiority first to destroy the British fortifications in order to ensure the invasion of Britain. During this period, they needed to contain and destroy the British Royal Air Force. At that time, the British side had only half of the aircraft of the German side, and the British army was completely at a disadvantage. No. 1 Squadron (RCAF) left Canada in June 1940 and went to Britain for support. They were also the only Royal Canadian Air Force unit to participate in the Battle of Britain. The squadron won its first air combat victory on August 26, 1940, destroying 3 and damaging 3 German bombers in this battle. No. 1 Squadron (RCAF) claimed to have destroyed 8 enemy aircraft and damaged 35 enemy aircraft in the 53 days of fighting in Britain. Their joining and outstanding performance in the battle provided important strength for the British side. The picture shows the members of No. 1 Squadron (RCAF).

Bibliography:

Greenhous, Brereton, Harris, Steven J. and Johnston, William C. "The Crucible of War, 1939-1945: The Official History of the Royal Canadian Air Force", Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1994. p164-170.

Mayne, Richard, "A Very Swift Death to the Enemy. The RCAF's Number One Fighter Squadron and the Battle of Britain", p. 57 and 72