Newsreel footage "RAF In Action - Actual Aerial Combat In France". Issued 10 June 1940. The film includes footage from Spitfires of No. 74 Squadron flown by F/Lt. A G Malan, P/O. J C Freeborn, and F/O. W P F Treacy. The Stuka was attacked over Dunkirk by S/Ldr. R B Lees of No. 72 Squadron on 2 June 1940. Source: British Pathé | The Battle of Britain Historical Timeline

In the summer of 1940, Britain’s allies in Europe had been defeated, the country faced invasion and the hope of the nation rested on the wings of the RAF. The fierce beauty of the Spitfire symbolised that hope. Eighty-five years on, the aircraft may have changed, but the RAF remains resolute 24/7/365 in defending our nation from attack. Per Ardua Ad Astra. #BattleOfBritain The keen-eyed will note the Spitfire in this film is a Mark VIII that flew later in the War. Many thanks to the producers of