Nova Scotia Recognizes the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain

Premier Stephen McNeil, Minister responsible for Military Relations, acknowledged the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain today, Sept. 20, and the brave Canadians who fought for freedom, peace and democracy.

“Today we remember the ultimate sacrifice that brave Canadians made while serving their country in harm’s way.

Their contributions will never be forgotten and all Canadians are indebted to the sacrifice they made in the pursuit of the freedoms that we as Canadians often take for granted,” said Premier McNeil

The Battle of Britain was the first major campaign to be fought entirely by air forces and is recognized as a critical turning point in the Second World War. Great Britain’s Royal Air Force pilots, along with allied air fighters from Canada and other countries, managed to withstand relentless bombing by the German Air Force to defend England against a planned invasion.

The battle represented the Royal Canadian Air Force’s initial commitment to engage in a combat that turned out to be a major battle for air supremacy during the Second World War. More than 100 Canadians flew in this battle between July and October 1940, 23 of them lost their lives.

No. 1 Fighter Squadron, which is now 12 Wing Shearwater, was the first squadron to engage German aircraft, score victories, suffer casualties, and win for their bravery.

Events commemorating the Battle of Britain are taking place in communities across the province.

Source: Release