Black and white photograph of Dowding, George VI and Queen Elizabeth at RAF Bentley Priory in September 1940

Bentley Priory and the Battle of Britain

The Battle of Britain was a decisive battle during World War II, and was fought in the skies above Britain between 10 July and 31 October 1940. Had the Battle been lost, Britain would have almost certainly been invaded by Nazi Germany.

RAF Bentley Priory played a pivotal role during the Battle of Britain as Headquarters Fighter Command.

The Museum explores the important Battle of Britain history of Bentley Priory through the stories of  The One, The Few & The Many.

The above photo shows King George VI and Queen Elizabeth with Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, Commander-in-Chief of RAF Fighter Command, at RAF Bentley Priory in September 1940. (C) IWM (CH 1233)