How many German planes were there at the beginning of the battle of Athens?

The correct answer is based on the details provided in Roald Dahl's narrative about his experiences during World War II, specifically during the battle of Athens. In the context of the story, it is explicitly mentioned that there were 12 German planes at the beginning of the battle. This figure sets the stage for the unfolding events and helps to outline the scale of the aerial conflict in the narrative. Understanding this detail is vital for grasping the challenges faced by Dahl and his comrades during the battle and illustrates the intensity of the military engagements in which he was involved.