The defense of Britain against the Nazi Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain in 1940 was primarily carried out by the Royal Air Force (RAF), especially its Fighter Command. The RAF's fighter pilots, famously referred to by Winston Churchill as "The Few," were crucial in repelling the large-scale air attacks by the Luftwaffe from July to October 1940. About 2,945 RAF aircrew faced the Luftwaffe in this first major military campaign fought entirely in the air, marking Nazi Germany's first major military defeat
. The RAF used advanced radar technology (the Chain Home system), the Observer Corps, and an integrated command and control system known as the Dowding System, led by Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, to detect and intercept German aircraft effectively
. Fighter squadrons flew durable Hawker Hurricanes and the highly agile Supermarine Spitfires to engage German bombers and their fighter escorts
. In addition to the fighter pilots, many other groups contributed to Britain's defense, including ground crew, anti-aircraft gunners, searchlight operators, barrage balloon crews, and members of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), who served as radar operators and plotters
. Thus, Britain was defended against the Nazi Luftwaffe by the combined efforts of the Royal Air Force—particularly Fighter Command—and supporting personnel using technology, coordination, and courage during the Battle of Britain
