Geographically, the RAF was divided into 11 groups composing "Fighter Command". Although most were far from the eastern shore, all would be called upon to assist in the battle. .
The battle began in July 1940. The battle had roughly four phases. July 10th marked the start of phase 1, as the Luftwaffe began by bombing shipping lanes and supply vessels in the English Channel for several weeks. The idea was to cut off Britain from supplies and resources to help them sustain and put up a fight. Part of the German strategy was to escalate their bombing to shipping ports on the English coast, in the hopes to draw out the RAF into dog fights over the channel, where superior German numbers could ambush the RAF. The RAF defended the coast line and shipping lanes the best they could, as fighter battles commenced daily. .
On July 16th, Hitler ordered to activate Operation Sea Lion, the invasion of Britain. He demanded the elimination of British air forces so they could not defend against invasion and large scale, in-land bombing. German attacks now aimed at the British mainland. Attacks were carried out on RAF airfields and the British coastal radar stations, known as "Chain Home". These stations served as early warning of German aircraft moving across the channel. As phase 1 winded down, the Luftwaffe had lost over 600 aircraft and the RAF only about 260. The RAF were holding their fight well to everyone's surprise. By August 1st little progress was made by the Luftwaffe, so all German air assets were called upon to fight the RAF. .
On August 13th, phase 2 began and was known by the Germans as "Eagle Day". Radar stations were primary targets as opposed to shipping vessels. RAF airfield bombing runs were also first priority. Attacks were successful and RAF had received great damage to their aircraft and airfields, resulting in the new tactic of hiding RAF planes in fields, barns and in vegetation.
