Obsolete against modern fighters and flak by 1940, the single-engined Battle suffered some of the worst loss rates of any RAF aircraft attacking the Meuse bridges during the Battle of France, including several entire formations wiped out in a single mission. It was withdrawn from front-line bombing duties within weeks of Dunkirk.
Fairey Battle light bomber.Photographer not identified, so UK Copyright contended to have lapsed 50 years after publication. Picture prepared for W · Public domain · sourceAircraft of the Royal Air Force 1939-1945- Fairey Battle Battle Trainer, R7365 12, of No. 1 Service Flying Training School based at Netheravon, Wiltshire, in flight.Royal Air Force official photographer, Watkins (Mr) · Public domain · sourceThe Course Setting Bomb Sight, labeled as a Mk. IX but likely a Mk. VII, installed in the bottom of a Fairey Battle light bomber. The bomb aimer is sighting through the backsights (white rings just in front of him) and pRAF Bomber Command pamphlet released during World War II · Public domain · source
