Iron Maiden - Aces High 卐⚜️

By the start of World War II in 1939, the German Luftwaffe was the strongest air force in the world. After France fell to Germany on June 22, 1940, Hitler planned a massive invasion by land and sea of Great Britain, code named Operation Sea Lion, but knew he needed to defeat the Royal Air Force first. Churchill believed Hitler and the evils of National Socialism had to be abolished no matter what. Days before France’s surrender, Churchill gave his famous “Finest Hour” speech to the House of Commons (heard in the beginning of the track), making it clear he had no intention of capitulating to Hitler.

Göring was confident his Luftwaffe would quickly destroy the Royal Air Force with his German bombers, and on July 10, 1940, the Luftwaffe attacked Britain. Despite being outnumbered, the RAF retaliated by bombing Berlin. Enraged, Hitler and Göring changed tactics and ordered a massive bombing campaign known as “the Blitz” against London, Liverpool, Coventry and other major cities, hoping to decimate the morale of the British people. By the end of October 1940, Hitler was forced to retreat what was left of his Luftwaffe and called off his planned invasion of Britain. It was the first major defeat of the war for Hitler. If the RAF had not held off the Luftwaffe, Hitler would have likely moved forward with his Operation Sea Lion invasion of the British Isles, which would have rendered the British people to German conquest. Britain’s air victory demonstrated the courage and resilience of the country’s military and its people and allowed them to remain free from Nazi occupation. Churchill remains one of the 20th century's most important figures - a victorious wartime leader who is accredited for the defending of Europe's liberal democracy from fascism.

From the very beginning of his career Churchill displayed a great deal of sympathy towards the Jews and support for the Zionist cause. He visited Israel and kept close contact with the Zionist Movements' leadership. In addition to turning the world against Hitler, he is acknowledged by Jews for his crucial role in helping make real the 1917 Balfour Declaration of British support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine. A statue of Churchill created by world renowned sculptor Oscar Nemon now stands in Jerusalem's historic Mishkenot Sha'ananim overlooking the Old City walls in recognition of his support for a Jewish state.

Up the irons!