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2011 marks the 71st anniversary of the Battle of Britain, which was fought between July and October 1940. New Zealanders played a key role in this vital struggle, flying the Hurricanes and Spitfires of Fighter Command, or serving in other roles in the air, at sea and on the ground.

New Zealand spitfire pilot, Flight Lieutenant Maurice Mayston, RAF, second from right, back from a fighter sweep over France in the days before D-Day

Massive supporting actions, including a complex plan designed to fool the Germans, assisted the landings at Normandy.

By 1944 more than 6000 New Zealanders were based in the United Kingdom, serving in the RAF.

The landings on 6 June 1944 were just the first part in a sustained campaign to break the war in Europe. For months after D-Day, planes flew over European cities, and the Allied troops pushed further inland. 

Selected biographies of New Zealanders involved in the Battle of Britain.

Photograph of James Ward VC

Air Vice-Marshal Trafford Leigh-Mallory and the 'Big Wing'

New Zealand fighter ace, Alan Deere is greeted enthusiastically by female workers at the HMV Gramophone Factory in London.

New Zealander Alan Deere pictured with Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding and other Battle of Britain fighter pilots outside the Air Ministry in London, 14 September 1942.

Replica of Keith Park's Mk 1 Hawker Hurricane OK 1 outside the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) in Auckland.

A formation of Heinkel He 111 bombers viewed through the gun camera of an attacking RAF fighter.

Medals awarded to Battle of Britain pilot Flight Lieutenant Kenneth Tait.

Example of a 'scramble' bell rung at RAF fighter airfields during the Battle of Britain to warn pilots of incoming German raids.