Hello, and thank you for listening to The History of World War II, Episode 51, The

Hardest Day.

Last time we saw the Luftwaffe up the ante in this winner-take-all game by bringing Air

Fleet 5 from Norway into what was supposed to be an overwhelming attack.

But the four warning provided by radar, coupled with air-chief martial downings insisting

on a certain number of squadrons remaining in the north, crushed garrings hopes as well

as many German aircraft.

So of the Air Fleet or Luftwauts in German-occupied territory, Air Fleet 2 and 3 were once again

on their own.

But they still had the numbers to get the job done, therefore, Sparila and Kesselring

did not feel that they had lost anything.

So as Friday, August 16th, the Galle start, the Germans were optimistic, and the weather

seemed to be mostly on their side with a mostly clear day, but haze in the channel.

Looking at maps thrown across tables outside in the sunshine, or Pintoi wall in a chateau,

the Luftwacht commanders looked over southern Britain and smiled, thinking that fighter

command could only have about 430 fighters, of which only 300 or so were operational.

Surely that small number could not possibly help to protect all that land, all those

airfields.

But in fact, doubting had 570 Spitfires and Hurricanes, and about 100 more defiance,

gladiators and blemines.

We also had about 235 more Spitfires and Hurricanes, and reserve.

But of course, Garing couldn't know this.

...