Services will take place across Tasmania this weekend to mark the 74th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
I will be representing the Liberal Government at a Commemorative Church Service at St David’s Cathedral today and a Wreath Laying Service at the Hobart Cenotaph tomorrow.
The services are an opportunity for Tasmanians to join with veterans and their families to reflect on the historical significance and sacrifices made by those who served during World War II’s Battle of Britain, which took place in the skies over the United Kingdom and lasted from 10 July to 31 October 1940.
The battle was sparked by Hitler’s German Air Force, the Luftwaffe, which began an aerial assault on the Royal Air Force (RAF) as he continued his attempts to invade Britain.
After a sustained bombing campaign, the Luftwaffe was finally defeated by the British RAF, who credited the assistance of other allied countries including Australia, in securing the aerial victory.
However, both sides suffered heavy casualties during the Battle of Britain. The Luftwaffe lost nearly 1,900 aircraft and more than 2,500 aircrew members were killed, while Britain lost 544 pilots. Of the 35 Australians who flew combat operations during the battle, at least 10 were killed, including Tasmanian Flight Commander Stuart Walch, whose body was never recovered.
The Battle of Britain Commemorative Church Service will be held at 3pm today, Saturday 13 September, at St David’s Cathedral in Hobart. The Wreath Laying Service will be held at 10.45am tomorrow, Sunday 14 September, at the Hobart Cenotaph.
Elise Archer, Speaker of the House of Assembly
