DAY 53 in The Battle of Britain II Day by Day Campaign - The RAF is on the defensive and now fighting back continued attacks against airfields around London. Hit and run raids by the elite EpG 210 and other Luftwaffe units have damaged aircraft production facilities affecting the ability to resupply front line units. The toll on experienced pilots has been heavy, with several units' morale deeply effected by the loss of their commanding officers.
Luftwaffe pilots however are far from jubilant. They have been surprised by the RAF ability to maintain a strong defence and to meet Luftwaffe raids in force and inflict heavy casualties. Any illusions about a quick victory have disappeared. 08-30-10
Masthead: An F-16 Fighting Falcon sits on a trim pad July 16 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Engine mechanics and crew chiefs were conducting tests to ensure all systems were fully functional before putting the fighter back into operational use. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Julianne Showalter.
