65th Anniversary - Battle of Britain - photos of Canada on Worldisround

65th Anniversary - Battle of Britain

September 2005

One of history's pivotal battles - the Battle of Britain - took place from July to October 1940. With European countries either already subjugated or uneasily "neutral", only Britain stood in the way of Hitler's quest for eventual world domination. He knew that he'd have to invade England, but couldn't do so unless he controlled the skies, so he sent more than 1,200 fighters and thousands of bombers in a frenzied four-month attempt to destroy the RAF, its bases, and the will of the British ... (more)

Canadian Aviation Museum
It is located in the former RCAF Station Rockcliffe, later renamed Canadian...

The ceremony begins
A "parade square" was created between the Museum and the runway, with...

the Spitfire
I personally consider this legendary plane to be the most beautiful aircraft...

the P-51 Mustang
This extremely fast (487 mph) American-built fighter is also part of Mr....

The mighty Lancaster roars overhead.
This heavy bomber with a range of up to 2,500 miles and a top speed of...

the Harvard
With a top speed of 208 mph and a range of 745 miles, this was the...

Aurora coastal patrol aircraft
The Canadian version of the Lockheed "Orion", this is the long-range...

CF Challenger
Throughout the Year of the Veteran, this executive jet has worn D-Day...

A pair of CF-18s streak past.
With a top speed of Mach 1.8, this is Canada's main fighter aircraft today.

tributes
Wreaths were laid by the Chief of the Air Staff, the British High...

wreaths laid
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old, Age shall not...

the unique flypast
Three venerable old warbirds fly past in formation. L to R are the...

The Spitfire lands ...
... and taxis the length of the runway to provide photo ops for the public....

veterans all
Here we see the Spitfire and Harvard, and Mr. Potter welcoming former...

article published 09/22/2005

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Almost reading "A Question of Honor"!
Hi Fred, once again excellent presentation from a powerful ceremony on the 65th Anniversary. With great interest I read your comments and view your photos. Many members of my family fought during those days in the Battle of Britain. Have you read book titled A Question of Honor written by two journalists Lynne Olson and Stanley Cloud? This is the book about Polish Air Force, the Forgotten Heroes of World War Two little-known and brilliantly told story of scores of Polish fighter pilots who helped save England during Battle Britain. Friendly greetings, Rafal
— Rafal K Komierowski, October 11, 2005

Excellent Fred, we both enjoyed the photos and comments on the 65th Anniv. of the Battle of Britain. Keep up the good work...Cheers....Tish and Ray
— Ray & Tish Tessier, September 29, 2005

CEO / President CARSCARP Consulting
Great photos and commentary. I wish I had been there if for no other reason than to hear the Spitfire and Mustang engines roar as the planes flew past. Thanks for the memories.
— JR Digger MacDougall, September 26, 2005

This is great Fred. Any war historians or anyone who loves old planes, will enjoy this. As usual, your reference information is marvelous.
— Lorraine Brecht, September 22, 2005

Thanks for the memories of listening to them flying overhead while in uncomfortable air raid shelters and of the jubilation of reading of their successes.
— teresa orton, September 22, 2005

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