Battle of Britain

About this board game

Battle of Britain is a two-player board game about the 1940 air campaign, with an approximate play time of 120 minutes. Released in 1990, it places the Royal Air Force against the Luftwaffe in a struggle over Britain’s survival.

Hitler’s war machine has swept across the Continent, leaving Britain isolated and defiant after Churchill refused to make peace with Germany. In August 1940, massive German air raids begin before Fighter Command has had time to build the strength needed to match the Luftwaffe.

The RAF is not relying on fighters alone. Its defensive system includes a chain of RDF radar towers along the British coast, supported by communications, signal evaluation, and fighter control and guidance. Used skilfully, these systems may help offset the German air fleets’ sheer power.

Players face the incoming raids while directing the RAF’s four Fighter Groups. The central challenge is to make effective use of Britain’s air-defense network and conserve the efficiency of Fighter Command operations as the Luftwaffe presses its attack.

• Four RAF Fighter Groups to command
• German Luftwaffe air raids threatening Britain
• Coastal RDF radar towers
• Communications, signal evaluation, and fighter control and guidance

The Luftwaffe seeks to weaken the British air-defense system beyond its breaking point. In Battle of Britain, the outcome rests on whether Britain’s fighters and coordinated defenses can deny that objective and withstand the assault.