Chronology of World War II
Heavy German losses over airfields
Sunday, August 18, 1940 www.onwar.com

German bomber shot down during the dayOver Britain... The Germans make another big effort. Their targets are still mostly airfields but not all the attacks are well organized. Biggin Hill escapes comparatively lightly, but Kenley is so disrupted that part of the fighter force has to be withdrawn to another airfield. The Germans lose very heavily, 71 aircraft to Fighter Command's 27. The British originally claim that 155 have been shot down. Owing to heavy losses the Ju87 Stuka dive-bomber is withdrawn from attacks on targets inland.


This chronological study of the Second World War provides a comprehensive day-by-day account of WWII. While focused on the military history of the war, with an emphasis on the battles and campaigns fought, the timeline includes social and political history as well. Some Holocaust related events are already recorded and additional updates are pending. In so far as possible, the images included in this presentation are pictures from the given days. Additional information and images are welcome through the feedback form found on the index.