Lifeboat 12

Starting in July 1940 and continuing until September 1940, the Luftwaffe (the German Air Force) conducted continuous air raids against England, now known as the Battle of Britain. These attacks provide the backdrop for the beginning chapters of Lifeboat 12. France fell to Nazi Germany in June of 1940, and the Germans then shifted their focus to England, wanting to immobilize the British Royal Air Force so that German troops could enter the country without threat of air attacks. These attacks, as part of the German campaign against the British, are known as “The Blitz.” The Battle of Britain began with nighttime raids along the coast, including attacks on shipping convoys in the English Channel. This aligns with the fears Ken and other characters share aboard the SS City of Benares. They know that as a convoy to Canada, they are likely a German target, if not of the Luftwaffe, then of the German Navy.

The Luftwaffe attacked airfields and radar stations in an effort to destroy British aircrafts and make it difficult for airfields to continue operation. The Blitz targeted major British cities, including London. Ken sees some of the damage in London when he goes there with his father after an air raid. Many bombing targets, such as railroads and factories, were near buildings and homes. As a result, civilians were killed and injured, and towns were damaged during the Battle of Britain. Britain’s Royal Air Force eventually won the battle, which meant that the Germans were unable to invade England as they had planned. Britain stood alone in the fight against Nazi Germany for the year of 1940, until allies joined them in 1941.