The public is invited to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of the Battle of Britain this Sunday at the 19 Wing Comox Memorial Aircraft Park at 11:15 a.m.
Canadian Armed Forces members both past and present will be in attendance and on parade to mark the sacrifices made by Canadian and Allied servicemen and women who fought in the pivotal Second World War battle. The parade will include a fly-by of a CP-140 Aurora at approximately 11:50 a.m.
The Battle of Britain, which raged in the skies above Britain and the English Channel from July until October 1940, marked a turning point in the war.
With the German Luftwaffe unable to destroy the Royal Air Force (RAF), Hitler was forced to abandon his plans for an invasion of Britain.
More than 100 Canadian pilots flew fighter missions during the campaign, some with No. 242 (Canadian) Squadron RAF, while others served in No. 1 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Force. Another 200 pilots served in the Royal Air Force's Bomber and Coastal Commands. These missions were supported by innumerable Canadian support crews.
The courage and honour of those who fought would become cornerstones in the development of the RCAF.
The parade, commanded by Lieut.-Col. Jason Kenny of 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron will include participation from contingents representing the Royal Canadian Air Force Association, the Royal Canadian Naval Association, Royal Canadian Legion, Korea Veterans Association, Royal Canadian Air Cadets as well as a 30-member guard from the Canadian Armed Forces.
Col. Jim Benninger, 19 Wing commander, will be the reviewing officer for the parade.
In the event of inclement weather, the commemorative ceremony will take place at Saint Michael and All Angels Protestant Chapel.
— 19 Wing