Mishall RehmanThis year marked the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Ceremonies were held across Canada and the United Kingdom to remember those who fought and died during the battle.
“With unconquerable spirit, they stood firm against a powerful and dangerous adversary. We remember them and their fellow soldiers who never returned home. On this occasion, we pay tribute to their service to our country and recognize the sacrifices they and their families made,” said Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence and Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, in a released statement.
About the Battle of Britain
On June 17, 1940, after years of resisting German advances, the French signed an armistice with Nazi Germany, leaving England as the sole Allies left on the continent of Europe. What ensued was the largest sustained bombing campaign to that date between England and Germany. Well into the first year of the Second World War, between July and October 1940, the U.K. witnessed an aerial warfare affecting the country’s military posts and civilians during the Battle of Britain.
The Battle of Britain is characterized by historians as one of the turning points of the Second World War. More than 3,000 allied aircrew were part of this Battle including more than 100 RCAF members. Twenty-three Canadians lost their lives in this Battle.
Britain’s Finest Hour
The Battle of Britain, called Britain’s “finest hour” by Sir. Winston Churchill gave hope to the demoralized British and northern Europeans. It was the only Battle of the Second World War that was fought and won entirely in the air.
For the Canadians, the Battle of Britain was the first time a formed RCAF squadron entered combat in the Second World War. Before the formation of No. 1 Fighter Squadron, later renamed to 401 Squadron, Canadians had flown individually with Royal Air Force (RAF) squadrons. During the Battle, Canadians also flew with the RAF’s 242 “Canadian” Squadron and other RAF squadrons.
“The contribution of the RCAF No. 1 Squadron to the Battle of Britain marked the first time our country sent a squadron into battle. Many of its members became leaders of the new RCAF squadrons formed in the United Kingdom and Canada. As the RCAF celebrates its centennial anniversary, remembering the Battle of Britain and RCAF contributions holds great significance,” noted the statement.
The concluding engagement of the Battle of Britain occurred on Sept. 15, 1940. Therefore, ceremonies are held on the Sunday following the 15th or the day itself when it falls on a Sunday.
Vintage Wings Flypast
In Ottawa, a ceremony was held at Beechwood National Military Cemetery on Sept. 15 to mark the occasion.
The ceremony featured a flypast from Vintage Wings of Canada aircraft. The aircraft flew over the ceremony at an altitude “no lower than 1000 feet,” according to an announcement from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) members, veterans, and Air Cadets gathered to mark the occasion and laid commemorative wreaths.
