The most important event in Royal Air Force history; the Battle fought over Britain between the 10th July and 31st October 1940. The Battle of Britain was a pivotal moment in WW2 when the country stood alone against Hitler's seemingly unstoppable military power. In July 1940 the RAF deployed 640 planes, although more were available, and aircraft production was subsequently ramped up. The Luftwaffe could call upon 2,600 fighters and bombers. Nearly 3,000 aircrew served with RAF Fighter Command during the battle. The average age of a pilot was 20 years old. 20% of the pilots were from the British Dominions, and occupied European or neutral countries. The RAF lost 1,023 planes and the Luftwaffe lost 1,887 planes in the battle