Sarkar, Dilip Battle of Britain. The Final Curtain. 1st October 1940- 31st October 1940

The seventh volume of Dilip Sarkar's eight-part series meticulously records the daily events of the fifth and final phase of the Battle of Britain. This volume not only describes every single attack and action of the squadrons, but also places them in a larger context, including the role of the bomber and coastal commands and the impact on the home front. Sarkar once again draws on primary sources to challenge established accounts. This series represents the most comprehensive and up-to-date research on the Battle of Britain and is distinguished by its extensive bibliography. Volume 6 dealt with Reich Marshal Göring's determination to continue the Luftwaffe's air raids despite mounting losses. At the end of September 1940, German He 111 bombers were switched to night operations due to unacceptable losses during daylight hours. In the final phase, Me 109 fighter-bombers and high-altitude fighters dominated the daytime battles. Although this tactic hardly suggested that Britain was on the verge of defeat, RAF pilots remember this period as the toughest, with intense high-altitude dogfights between Spitfires and Me 109s. This volume concludes with a review of the most important events of October 1940, questions the designation of this month as the end of the battle, and reflects on the overall significance of the air battles of that summer. Sarkar's work provides valuable insights into this crucial phase of the Second World War.