Air crews at Biggin Hill, Kent enjoy a few moments' respite during the Battle of Britain (1940). 

During the Battle of Britain

On January 21. H.M. destroyer Grenville was sunk by mine or torpedo in the North Sea. There was no time to lower the boats, but other ships in the vicinity were able to rescue most of the crew. Altogether eight men were killed by the explosion, and seventy-three were reported missing and presumed dead. These two pictures show (top) the Grenville just before she took her final plunge; (below) a dramatic photograph of A.B. Bromfield, the last man to leave the ship, clinging to a porthole in the bows. The Grenville, a vessel of 1,485 tons, had a complement of 175 officers and men.

LOSS OF H.M.S. GRENVILLE

"Pathfinder" parachutists are briefed before dropping into France; their task to direct airborne forces to landing points.