 RAF Fighter Command had prevailed against the "Luftwaffe" in the Battle of Britain but British cities were suffering in The Blitz—a sustained aerial night offensive against the United Kingdom.On 24 February 1941 after completing basic flight training at the Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS), Sulhamstead House, in Berkshire, Burbridge flew an aircraft for the first time.Thereafter he trained in the Miles Magister and converted to the twin-engine Airspeed Oxford.