The 65th anniversary of the Battle of Britain

Air Force Association Colour Party Commander Lloyd Jamieson (WW II Catalina flying boat pilot) salutes Chief of Air Staff, LGen Lucas as the parade marches past in Ottawa. CREDIT: Cpl Jill Cooper

From Comox to Greenwood, Air Force personnel, World War II veterans and members of the public gathered on September 18 to salute “the gallant few” who fought and died in the Battle of Britain from July to October 1940.

“We are not alone as we gather today to commemorate the Battle of Britain," said Honorary Colonel Bill Coyle, and 16 Wing Reviewing Officer at the parade in Barrie. "All across our great nation and in other Commonwealth countries, people are gathering to remember the sacrifices made by those who served during this historic battle."

In Ottawa, ceremonies included a moving fly past by a Lancaster bomber, Spitfire and Mustang in formation, followed by a CP-140 Aurora, CC-144 Challenger and two CF-18 fighter jets.

“The significance of the Battle of Britain is more than just a matter of aircraft kills and medals. Above all, it was the first time that aerospace power saved a nation,” said Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas, Chief of the Air Staff . “By many standards, veterans, especially those who fought during the Battle of Britain, are true heroes. Without their courage, their dedication and their sacrifices, we would probably live in a world far different from the one we know today.”

Canada and Britain commemorate the Battle of the Britain on the Sunday that is closest to September 15, a date considered to be the "high water mark" of the battle. More than 100 Canadian fighter pilots took part in the Battle of Britain. Twenty-three of them lost their lives during the historic battle.