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1940 in aviation - Definition and Overview |
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This is a list of aviation-related events from 1940:
Events
March
April
May
June
July
August
- August 15 - the heaviest fighting of the Battle of Britain occurs, with the loss of 46 British and 76 German aircraft.
- August 25-26 - Britain makes its first air raid on Berlin of the war.
- August 31 - Polish 303 Squadron, the most efficient allied unit of the Battle of Britain, enters action.
September
- September 7 - Hermann Göring orders the Luftwaffe to stop targeting British airfields and attack London itself instead.
- September 7-September 8 - the largest mass air combat in history takes place over Britain, with 1,200 British and German aircraft operating in an area of only 24 x 48 km (15 x 30 miles).
- September 15 - Germany makes its heaviest daylight raid on London
- September 30 - the Battle of Britain is said to be over, with Hitler's planned invasion of Britain ("Operation Seelöwe") postponed indefinitely.
October
- October 8 - No. 71 Squadron RAF, "Eagle Squadron" is formed, comprising American volunteers.
- October 8 - Josef Frantiek, the Czech ace (17 victories) - the most efficient allied pilot of the Battle of Britain, died in an aircrash.
November
December
- December 29-30 - the Luftwaffe makes a devastating attack on London, making extensive use of incendiary weapons.
First flights
January
February
March
May
August
September
October
November
December
Entered service
February
March
May
July
November
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