Anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic
There is no mention of the forthcoming events to commemorate the eightieth anniversary of winning the Battle of the Atlantic, without which there could have been no landing in occupied France or Western front, in the 'features' section of the Royal Navy website. Hopefully this will change in the next few days. It is noted in this news story:
HMS Defender leads weekend of commemorations marking victory in the Atlantic
Royal Navy and allied warships will join merchant vessels in Liverpool next week for three days of commemorations marking the Battle of the Atlantic.
Led by destroyer HMS Defender, the ships are due to arrive on the morning of Friday May 26, raising the curtain on a weekend of events to mark the 80th anniversary of the longest, hardest naval battle in British history.
Joining HMS Defender on the prime berth of the Cruise Liner Terminal at the heart of Liverpool’s waterfront will be the French frigate Bretagne, and Trinity House Vessel Patricia. The American destroyer USS Ramage will also call into the city during the weekend.
The vessels will provide an impressive backdrop to events on and over the Mersey, while their sailors will join in commemorative events ashore. HMS Defender and the Bretagne will be open to visitors, welcoming members of the public on board throughout Saturday and Sunday.
“This will probably be our final chance to say ‘thank you’ to that wonderful wartime generation who fought the battle – serving in the ships, in the docks, in the shipyards, in the homes,” said Commodore Phil Waterhouse, the Royal Navy’s Regional Commander for Northern England, based at HMS Eaglet in Liverpool.
“No city is more connected with the Battle of the Atlantic than Liverpool, it felt its effects, suffered the loss of men, suffered under the bombs, waved U-boat hunters off to sea and celebrated their return. So there can be no more fitting a setting for these 80th anniversary commemorations.” ...
Last edited by WE Branch Fanatic; 26th May 2023 at 08:45.