Unknown to most persons, the basic narrative of the Battle of Britain was drawn up not during the period described but six months afterwards, when the battle officially acquired its name. It was to be longer, however, before agreement could be reached on when the battle started, and even now there is considerable dispute amongst historians as to when it did start. This book takes a fresh look at the controversy and the conflict as a whole, coming away with the view that the whole battle has been miscast. The real battle starts with the outbreak of the Second World War, with the attempted blockade of essential imports to the UK. It extends briefly into the classic phase where fighters are aloft battling for air superiority and then develops into the 'Blitz' phase where the target becomes the 'hearts and minds' of the British people. Far from being separate and distinct, the Blitz is an integral part of the Battle of Britain; the main part in fact, endured and won by the British people. >.