Battle Of Britain

Northern Advocate, 15 September 1945, Page 4

Battle Of Britain

(Special) LONDON, Sepf. 34. On the ‘'Ve of the fifth anniversary of the Baitk- of Britain, Group-Captain A. J. Malan. writing in the "Daily Express,” recalls flic feelings of a pilot in those historic days. Among the pilots to whom he refers is the New Zealander, WingCommander Alan Deere. "After the Battle of Britain, the Royal Air Force was reinforced." writes GroupCaptain Malan, "by new blood which included the finest fhe Empire could produce. There were such men as Bill Compton, tiie New Zealander, and Johnny Checketts, another New Zealander, who both fought brilliantly in Normandy. So did ‘Hawkeys’ Wells, the man who could see an enemy plane minutes before his pals.” Part of tomorrow’s celebration will bea flight by 25 squadrons c£ R.A.F. fighters across London, led by a small formation of pilots who took part in the Battle of Britain. They will include Wing-Com-mander Wells and Squadron Leader Roy Kush. Wing-Commander Deere is to be married next Tuesday, and will leave for New Zealand at the end of Ihe month. WingCommander Checketts is already en route to New Zealand. Arnhem Anniversary Next Monday, a year after tire landing in Holland of the British Ist Airborne Division, the people of Britain will remember those who fought in the Battle of Arnhem. In London a memorial service to airborne forces will be held at St. Martin-in-thc Fields, ar.d at Westmin ster Cathedral a chaplain who landed ai Arnhem will offer Requiem Mass.