At the recent meeting of the NATO leaders the defence of Europe was high on the agenda. The threats to NATO countries are now significant. The Battle of Britain was a crucial air battle early in World War II. In June 1940 France surrendered to Germany and Hitler began to plan the invasion of Britain. To do this the Luftwaffe needed to establish air superiority in the south of England so that an invading German army would face little effective opposition as it crossed the English Channel. The Luftwaffe had more fighter planes and bombers. The RAF depended mainly on Hawker Hurricane and Spitfire fighter planes.
During the summer of 1940 the Luftwaffe first attacked shipping in the Channel and coastal towns in the south of England and then attacked airfields, such as Biggin Hill, and radar bases. The young pilots of the RAF were in constant action flying as many as 5 times a day to repel the waves of Luftwaffe attacks. The aim was to destroy the RAF and render Britain defenceless against invading forces. It is estimated that between 10 July and the end of October 1940 the RAF lost 1023 aircraft whilst the Luftwaffe lost 1887. The RAF won the Battle of Britain and Hitler postponed the invasion of Britain and turned instead to invading the Soviet Union.
On 21 August 1940 Winston Churchill made a famous speech in the House of Commons. “The gratitude of every home in our island, in our Empire, and indeed throughout the world, except in the abodes of the guilty, goes out to the British airmen who, undaunted by odds, unweakened by their constant challenge and mortal danger, are turning the tide of world war by their prowess and their devotion. Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.“
These words remind us of the deep gratitude and love which Christians feel towards Jesus. By his death on the Cross, he won a great victory over sin and death and hell and secured freedom and salvation for all who look to him for help. Because he had won a great victory on Cross he rose from the dead on the third day. He had triumphed over death and he made a wonderful promise to all who trust in him, “Because I live you too will live.” Since Jesus rose again countless millions of people from all nations on earth have experienced the amazing love and grace of God and have received the gift of eternal life in Jesus. Never in the history of the world have so many owed so much to one man.