Luftwaffe order of battle August 1940

For its Battle of Britain campaign against Great Britain during World War II, the German Luftwaffe organized its forces in a specific way. This arrangement in August 1940 shows how the German air forces were spread out to attack different parts of the United Kingdom.

Luftflotte 2 was responsible for bombing southeast England and the London area, with its bases in the Pas-de-Calais area in France. Luftflotte 3 targeted the West Country, Midlands, and northwest England, using bases a bit further north in France. Luftflotte 5 focused on the north of England and Scotland, operating from bases in Norway.

Luftflotte 1 and Luftflotte 4 stayed in Germany, but most of their bomber groups were sent to help the three Luftflotten fighting in the Battle of Britain. Some fighters remained in Germany to protect the airspace there. This order of battle shows the planning and strategy used by the Luftwaffe during one of the most important air battles of World War II.

Luftflotte 2

Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, commanded by Generalfeldmarschall Albert Kesselring, OOB from 13 August 1940.

Luftflotte 3

Headquarters in Paris, France, under Generalfeldmarschall Hugo Sperrle. This group was active from August 13, 1940.

Luftflotte 5

Headquarters in Stavanger, Norway, led by Generaloberst Hans-Jürgen Stumpff. The order of battle was recorded on 13 August 1940.

Oberbefehlshaber der Luftwaffe

The main headquarters for the German air force was in Berlin, Germany, and was led by Hermann Göring, who held the title of Reichsmarschall. This setup was in place starting on August 13, 1940.