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Hawker Hurricanes flying in formation, Battle of Britain, World War II, 1940. Hawker Hurricanes of Fighter Command, a first line of defence against the incoming German bombers attacking England. Fought between 10 July and 31 October 1940, the Battle of Britain was the first major battle to be won in the air. The RAF's victory in the battle effectively prevented the Germans from attempting an invasion. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/Ann Ronan Pictures)