The 1940 Chronicle was the RAF Benevolent Fund’s 2010 campaign to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Taking the form of an online newspaper, the 1940 Chronicle tells the story of the Battle of Britain as it happened, day by day.

In addition the story of the Battle unfolds through the daily blogs of five fictional characters, bringing to life the very reason why the RAF Benevolent Fund exists.

The aim of the 1940 Chronicle is to engage the wider public in the story of the Battle of Britain and remind everyone of the huge debt of gratitude we owe to those who fought for our freedom.

We also want to highlight the physical, psychological and emotional impact of conflict on serving personnel and their families.

By using social media to tell the characters’ stories, we hope to communicate, in a very immediate way, that whether it’s 1940 or 2010. the human cost of war remains the same.

1940 Chronicle headlines

22 June 1940 - German decree: no negotiations on Armistice terms

23 June 1940 - Empire shows fighting spirit

14 July 1940 - More raiders driven off yesterday

15 July 1940 -RAF bomb Italian targets in Africa

9 August 1940 - Huge convoy assault beaten back

16 September 1940 - Luftwaffe suffer at hands of RAF

Alexander Rhodes, Chief War Correspondent.

Aged 42, likes bitter, cats and pipes.

Alexander’s Battle of Britain diary

Frank Edwards, Leading Aircraftman.

Aged 31, likes engines, chess and playing the violin.

Frank's Battle of Britain diary.

George Sheridan, Flying Officer.

Aged 23. Likes cricket, flying, music on the radio and beer.

George's Battle of Britain diary.

Jane Sheridan, Aircraftwoman 1st Class.

Aged 19. Likes reading books, cycling and dances.

Jane's Battle of Britain diary.

Mary Lawrence, Ward Charge Nurse.

Aged 27, likes country walks and going to the cinema.

Mary’s Battle of Britain diary.