Battle of Britain Day: Service held at new Weymouth memorial
A special service was held at Bowleaze Cove to commemorate the 544 men who gave their lives
Veterans were joined by local dignitaries and members of the public at Bowleaze Cove yesterday to remember the brave pilots who gave their lives during the Battle of Britain .
A special service was held in commemoration of the 544 men who died.
The Mayor of Weymouth laid a wreath at the memorial there, which was built only a year ago.
The local area has strong connections to the Battle of Britain, with battles being fought in the skies above the south west. The 152 and 609 Squadrons, who were based locally in Warmwell, played an important part in protecting the south west coast and the Royal Navy base on Portland.
A memorial can be found at Bowleaze Cove which commemorates the 544 men who paid the ultimate sacrifice on 15th September 1940 and serves as a reminder of the local area’s involvement in the Battle.
Cllr Colin Huckle, Mayor of Weymouth Town Council, who will also lay a wreath at the memorial at 3pm on Wednesday 15th September, said:
“I’m delighted it can be used to give charities and good causes the opportunity to promote and raise awareness for their work.
“Additionally, I’m glad to see it being used to mark occasions such as the Battle of Britain Day as a mark of respect to those who fought for our freedoms. It is especially poignant considering the area’s strong connections with the Armed Forces and the Battle of Britain itself”.
The Royal Air Force experienced its greatest test in the Battle of Britain in 1940. Using science, ingenuity, and support from across the UK and overseas, the RAF defended the UK from Nazi Germany’s air force, the Luftwaffe. It was the first major battle fought entirely in the air, and Nazi Germany’s first major military defeat.
The 15 September 1940 was officially named Battle of Britain Day as it was the day when RAF Fighter Command claimed what proved to be a decisive victory over the German Luftwaffe.