Media Advisories

BAGOTVILLE – A parade commemorating the anniversary of the Battle of Britain will be held on Sunday, September 18 at 10:30 am, at the 3 Wing Bagotville commemorative park next to the Air Defence Museum on Highway 170.

More than 70 members of 3 Wing, representing the three elements of the Canadian Forces (Air Force, Navy and Army), will participate in this event honouring the memory of the 1,495 Allied airmen—including 47 members of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)—who lost their lives in this historic battle. During the ceremony, at about 11:00 am, there will be a fly-past by two of 425 Squadron’s CF-18 fighter jets.

The Battle of Britain was particularly significant for the RCAF, as it was the most decisive air battle of the Second World War. According to the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence, the battle officially lasted from July 10 to October 31, 1940, although some historians maintain that it did not really begin until August 8, 1940. Great Britain and its allies, including Canada, successfully resisted repeated attacks from the German air force (the Luftwaffe). After this battle, Germany was forced to abandon its ambition of conquering Britain.

Because 3 Wing Bagotville flies fighter planes as part of Canada’s Air Force, it is particularly appropriate for the Wing to commemorate this historic event.