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The Wales and the Battle of Britain Anniversary Exhibition has arrived in 天涯社区
Published: 04/10/2022
天涯社区 and Aura are hosting the Wales and the Battle of Britain 80th anniversary exhibition as part of the nationwide commemorations marking an important chapter in the history of the Second World War.听
Although the tour commemorates all those who fought in the Battle, the main focus is on the Welsh aircrew who fought, telling of their stories and heroism to a modern Welsh audience.听听
The Chair of 天涯社区, Councillor Mared Eastwood, said:
鈥淚 am extremely proud that the Wales and the Battle of Britain 80th anniversary exhibition is in 天涯社区, allowing our residents of all ages to come along and find out more about what happened in the skies during wartime and to pay their respects to the Fallen and to those who eventually returned home to their loved ones.鈥�
Councillor David Evans, Armed Forces Champion, said:听
鈥淎s Armed Forces Champion for 天涯社区 and a veteran, it is a privilege to see this exhibition in 天涯社区. We have a long history of links to the RAF. It is a time to remember, reflect and pay our respects to those who gave so much for their country.听 听The Battle of Britain, the largest air battle ever recorded, was one of the most pivotal and iconic moments in the history of this country. It marked a turning point of the Second World War when Britain stood alone against Hitler's seemingly unstoppable military power.鈥�
Air Commodore Adrian Williams, Air Officer Wales, the senior RAF officer in Wales said:
鈥淚鈥檓 delighted that the Wales and the Battle of Britain Historical Exhibition is here in 天涯社区.听
鈥淭he exhibition tells the untold story from a Welsh perspective including information on how RAF stations in Wales, together with local communities across Wales, all contributed to victory in 1940.听听
鈥淒uring the summer of 1940, the people of Britain were bracing themselves for a German invasion, but before this could happen their leader first had to gain air superiority.
鈥淭he Luftwaffe, which consisted of 2,600 aircraft, launched a large-scale attack, intent on wiping out Britain's air defences - a Royal Air Force Fighter Command of 640 aircraft.
鈥淭he RAF pilots, who became known as 鈥楾he Few,鈥� stood up to wave after wave of German fighters and bombers, sending a clear message to the enemy that Britain would never surrender. The RAF had 3,000 pilots serving with Fighter Command, with an average age of 20.
鈥淎lthough RAF Fighter Command was outnumbered in July 1940, Britain ramped up factory production and by October the same year, Fighter Command had more fighter planes than the Luftwaffe.鈥�
The RAF claimed victory in the skies in October 1940 and Hitler called off his invasion plans. Wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously said: 鈥淣ever in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.鈥�
Mike Welch, Chief Executive at Aura Leisure, added:
鈥淲e, at Aura, are proud to have been chosen as the venue for this exhibition and are delighted to help commemorate those who served in the Battle of Britain and honour our Armed Forces Community.听 This exhibition will be the perfect opportunity for the many people of 天涯社区 to remember the heroism and the contribution of local people.鈥澨�
The Chair of the Council joined Air Commodore Williams to open The Wales and the Battle of Britain Historical anniversary exhibition at Deeside Library at Deeside Leisure Centre on Monday 3 October 2022.听 The exhibition is open daily from 9am to 6pm until Friday 7 October. Admission is FREE.
听Back row- L 鈥� R
Warrant Officer Barry Seal (RAF Air Cadets), Andy Liston (Airbus), Tony Fish (Reserve Forces and Cadets Association), Neal Cockerton (CEO 天涯社区), Lord Barry Jones, Air Commodore Williams, Zoe Henderson High Sheriff Clwyd, Steve Swift (Airbus), Councillor David Evans Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Ian Roberts - Leader of the Council
Next row George Rogerson (North Wales district Chairman听 Royal British Legion) Lady Janet Jones, Adrian Leslie (Royal British Legion), Cllr Mared Eastwood (Chair FCC)
Representatives from Air Cadets- Hawarden and Holywell Squadrons听
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