THUNDER BAY - Nearly 80 years ago a fierce battle raged in the skies over Britain and here in the Northwest, men and women worked at putting more and more fighter planes into the air. Now veterans and cadets continue to mark both the loss and the determined spirit that won the skies.
“I think it’s really important that we commemorate this parade because it was one of the main air battles fought rather than on the ground,” said Sgt. Ailiin Snell with 70 Thunder Bay Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
“Just so that we can honour our past and part of our past is the future. So if we forget about this stuff, we won’t honour the veterans.”
On Sunday, a ceremony was held at the Thunder Bay International Airport to commemorate the Battle of Britain.
The pivotal battle began in July 1940 and continued until October of that year. Pilots with the Royal Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force were tasked with defending the United Kingdom from the onslaught of the Luftwaffe, which was launching continuous bombing sorties against English cities.
The allied pilots prevailed and halted the Luftwaffe, handing Nazi Germany one if its first major defeats in the Second World War.
But it did not come without a cost. The RAF and the RCAF suffered more than 1,500 casualties and lost more than 1,700 aircraft.
Sue Paskoski, civilian instructor with 70 Thunder Bay Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, said it was Canada’s first real foray into the Second World War and its important to remember the sacrifices of the pilots and aircrew who took to the skies in the face of such unspeakable odds.
“For me, it’s important to remember our history so we don’t make the same mistakes we did before,” she said.
But it’s also important to remember the contributions of the region, Paskoski added.
“This entire region had huge contributions to the aviation part of the war and the air force, with Canada Car and Foundry, which is now Bombardier, we built the Hawker Hurricanes and the Helldivers, and we had the Rosy’s of the North and all those people made contributions to the war effort in their own way,” she said. “They made a mark on this area and on history as well.”
The ceremony included a colour party and the laying of wreathes, with veteran and cadets standing side by side. And while the age difference continues to grow, the respect and importance of the ceremony always remains.
“The young cadets are really interested in aviation, but it’s important for them to learn about our history as well and why we honour these folks, what contributions this area made, instill a sense of pride in them for their homeland or the area in general, and to remember these people, who because of their service, gave us everything we have today,” Paskoski said.
