Parliament Buildings Marks 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain

The 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain has been marked this evening by a flypast over Parliament Buildings, organised by the Royal Air Force (RAF).

An event to mark the anniversary was co-hosted by the Speaker of the Assembly, Edwin Poots MLA and the RAF's Air Officer Northern Ireland, Air Marshal Sean Reynolds. A Lancaster bomber from the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flew over Parliament Buildings in the early evening.

Speaker Poots said: "I have been privileged to host a number of events this year to ensure significant anniversaries from the Second World War are marked at Parliament Buildings.

"This event marking the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain is another opportunity to pause and reflect on the valour and sacrifice that was shown by those brave service personnel in 1940 and indeed throughout the Second World War.

"Among the pilots who flew in that famous aerial dogfight were 28 local airmen - seven of whom lost their lives. In total, 72 individuals from Northern Ireland were killed during the Battle of Britain.

"Given the history of the Senate Chamber and its use as an RAF operations room during the war, it has been particularly poignant to remember their legacy in Parliament Buildings."

Chief of the Air Staff and head of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth, who is from Northern Ireland, said: "I was delighted to have the opportunity to attend the formal Battle of Britain reception at Stormont, celebrating and commemorating those that have gone before, many making the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.

"As a proud Northern Irishman, and the first to be CAS, it's very special for me personally to be back home in Northern Ireland so early in my tenure - made even more special because of the importance of this event. 85 years ago, thousands of airmen and millions of men and women across the home front came together to defend our nation and way of life. To protect our freedom during what many referred to as our nation's darkest hour.

"Of the 2,945 aircrew who took part in the battle, many did not return. It is impossible to imagine what that must have been like, what they endured and how those experiences continued to impact long after the battle was won. Thanks to their bravery, fighting spirit, resolve and sacrifice, we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. It is with the greatest humility, appreciation, and the deepest respect, that I say thank you to them all.'

Ends

For any media enquiries, please contact: Felicity Templeton, Communications Office, Northern Ireland Assembly felicity.templeton@niassembly.gov.uk / 07977 635930.

Notes to editors:

For more information on RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight see here