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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-battle-britain-raf-first

Before invading Britain in 1940, what did Hitler want the Luftwaffe to do first?

Germany first wanted to defeat the RAF.

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  1. Defeat the Royal Air Force ✔
  2. Defeat the Soviet air force
  3. Stay home and guard German cities

Why: An invasion across the English Channel would face attack from British aircraft. Germany therefore sought control of the air by defeating the RAF first.

Huh, didn't know that: RAF stands for Royal Air Force.

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Why did the pilot review the goal twice? To keep the mission on course.
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References

Answer: Defeat the Royal Air Force. An invasion across the English Channel would face attack from British aircraft. Germany therefore sought control of the air by defeating the RAF first.

  1. Journey of Flight Teacher's Guide, chapter 4 www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/2nd_edition_Teachers_Guide_5D3166D76F9B1.pdf
    He wanted the Luftwaffe to defeat the Royal Air Force (RAF) first.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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