In the summer of 1940, almost a year after the outbreak of The Second World War, Great Britain stood alone in Europe against a triumphant Germany. Adlerangriff is the German word meaning Attack of the Eagles, the assault on south east England by The Luftwaffe which was to be undertaken prior to the invasion of the British Isles and this term was used by the Germans to define what the British referred to as The Battle of Britain.

Whilst Fighter Command R.A.F was spread over airfields in England, Scotland, Wales and Norhtern Island, only those squadrons in the south east would be able to interfere with an invasion which, it was expected, would take place along the south coast between Dover and Weymouth. The battle will therefore be fought over the area covered by No 11 Group. If the Luftwaffe can permanently destroy the Sector Stations and Airfields of No 11 Group, thus immobilizing the fighters that use them, the invasion can be undertaken.