The RAF in France
The RAF which served in France was divided into two sections. The Air Component consisted of six fighter squadrons, mostly Hawker Hurricanes, and eight army co-operation squadrons, operating the Westland Lysander. In addition, there was also the Advanced Air Striking Force (AASF), operating eight squadrons of Fairey Battle and Bristol Blenheim light bombers.
RAF Westland Lysander aircraft in formation. The Lysanders of the RAF Air Component suffered heavy losses to German fighters in 1940.
The French Air Force had some 387 fighter aircraft available to counter the Luftwaffe (German Air Force), but few were as good as their opponents and there were problems with the supply of more modern replacements. The Luftwaffe, on the other hand, had recent experience in crushing Poland and had perfected the ‘blitzkrieg’ tactics of rapid armoured movement supported by attacks from the air. They also had a significant numerical advantage in aircraft over the defending Allied forces.
