THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23744, 16 September 1942, Page 5

THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN

ANNIVERSARY marked (8.0. W.) . RUGBY, Sept. 14. To-day is the second anniversary of the decisive day of the Battle of Britain, when Royal Air Force fighters destroyed 185 German aeroplanes for the loss of 25. Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, who was Commander-in-Chief. Fighter Command, during the Battle of Britain, spoke at a gathering which was attended by 10 leading pilots who participated in the battle. Sir Hugh said that he was proud and happy to be surrounded by them. To-day they were two years older than on the day of the great battle, with more rings on their sleeves and more ribbons on, their chests, but if they had what they deserved their chests and sleeves would be completely obliterated by embroidery. Sir Hugh paid a tribute to those who lost their lives in the battle. “Let us remember, with sorrow and affection, those who did not survive. Let the many be mindful of their debt to the few,” he said. Also marking the anniversary, Lieu-tenant-General H. H. Arnold, Commanding General of the United States Army Air Forces, sent a message to Air Chief Marshal Sir Charles Portal. Chief of the Air Staff, stating; "On behalf of the flyers of the American Army, I wish to extend our tributes to the flyers of the Royal Air Force on the second anniversary of their brilliant victory in the Battle of Britain. The deeds of your flyers that day turned the tide of war, ending forever the Nazi hone'of world conquest, and made possible a final United Nations victory. “This second anniversary finds those few now increased to sky-filling armadas wreaking vengeance many times over upon the Nazis. For those terrible days two years ago free men everywhere will ever observe this day in remembrance of those brave men who gladly gave their lives to secure freedom and victory.” Sir Charles Portal, replying, said: “Two years later, the few to whom so much was owed, have become many, and the airmen of the United Nations are converging on Germany from cast and west, obliterating her war potential. and striking terror into the hearts of her people.”