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The Americans Who Stood With Britain In Its Darkest Finest Hour

Herman Melville

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Published in Citizens Of London: The Americans Who Stood With Britain In Its Darkest Finest Hour

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As the dark clouds of World War II gathered over Europe, the United States remained officially neutral. But many Americans were deeply sympathetic to the plight of the British people, who were facing the threat of invasion by Nazi Germany. These Americans, known as the American Friends of Britain, provided vital support to the British war effort in a variety of ways.

Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour

by Lynne Olson

4.7 out of 5

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The American Friends of Britain

The American Friends of Britain was a non-profit organization founded in 1940 by a group of prominent Americans, including former President Herbert Hoover and future President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The organization's goal was to provide moral and material support to the British people during their time of need.

The American Friends of Britain raised money for British war relief, provided food and clothing to British civilians, and helped to evacuate British children to the United States. The organization also lobbied the U.S. government to provide more aid to Britain.

The Lend-Lease Act

One of the most important ways that the United States helped Britain during World War II was through the Lend-Lease Act. This act, passed by Congress in 1941, allowed the United States to lend or lease war materiel to any country that was fighting against Nazi Germany. Britain was the largest recipient of Lend-Lease aid, receiving over $31 billion worth of supplies during the war.

The Lend-Lease Act was a lifeline for Britain. It provided the British with the food, fuel, and weapons they needed to continue fighting the war. Without Lend-Lease aid, Britain would have likely been defeated by Nazi Germany.

The Battle of Britain

The Battle of Britain was one of the most critical battles of World War II. Fought from July to October 1940, the battle saw the Royal Air Force (RAF) defeat the Luftwaffe, the German air force. The victory in the Battle of Britain was a major turning point in the war, and it helped to ensure that Britain would not be invaded by Nazi Germany.

The American Friends of Britain played a key role in the Battle of Britain. The organization provided the RAF with much-needed supplies, including fuel, aircraft parts, and food. The American Friends of Britain also helped to evacuate British civilians from areas that were under attack by the Luftwaffe.

Dunkirk

In May 1940, the British army was forced to evacuate from Dunkirk, France, after being defeated by the German army. The evacuation was a success, with over 338,000 British soldiers being rescued. However, the evacuation would not have been possible without the help of the American Friends of Britain.

The American Friends of Britain provided the Royal Navy with fuel and supplies, and they also helped to evacuate British civilians from Dunkirk. The organization's efforts helped to save the lives of thousands of British soldiers and civilians.

Eagle Squadrons

The Eagle Squadrons were three fighter squadrons of the Royal Air Force that were composed of American pilots. The squadrons were formed in 1940, and they played a major role in the Battle of Britain. The Eagle Squadrons were credited with shooting down over 190 German aircraft.

The American pilots who served in the Eagle Squadrons were volunteers. They were motivated by a desire to help Britain fight against Nazi Germany. The pilots in the Eagle Squadrons were some of the most skilled and experienced fighter pilots in the world, and they played a vital role in the RAF's victory in the Battle of Britain.

The American Friends of Britain played a vital role in helping Britain to win World War II. The organization provided the British with moral and material support, and it helped to ensure that Britain would not be defeated by Nazi Germany. The Americans who stood with Britain in its darkest finest hour deserve to be remembered for their courage and their sacrifice.

Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour

by Lynne Olson

4.7 out of 5