Timeline Wednesday 10 July 1940

Events on Wednesday 10 July 1940 2

• 1940 Battle of Britain RAF defeats Luftwaffe in first major air battle The Battle of Britain was fought from July to October 1940 as the Luftwaffe attempted to destroy the RAF and gain air superiority for a planned invasion of Britain. The RAF prevailed, forcing Hitler to postpone Operation Sea Lion.
• 1940 Vichy regime established The French parliament gives Pétain full powers On 10 July the National Assembly, meeting in Vichy, voted full powers to Marshal Philippe Pétain, ending the Third Republic. Pétain became head of the French State and began a policy of collaboration with Germany. The regime lasted until the Liberation in 1944.