To mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic (BOA 70) – the longest continuous military campaign of the Second World War – the city of Liverpool will act as the focal point this weekend for the national commemoration.
The theme of BOA 70 is to illustrate the past, present and future of the UK’s rich maritime heritage, with particular emphasis on the role BOA 70 veterans – both Merchant and Royal Navy – played in helping overcome the appalling threat that the German U-boats posed to UK’s supply lines during the war.
And to show the ongoing reliance that Great Britain still has on the sea, and the continuing relevance of the Royal Navy in protecting the nation’s many interests around the world.
The event is being sponsored by Cammell Laird, the Birkenhead ship repair and engineering firm, which also played a massive role in building and supporting ships that fought in the Battle during the War.
There is a wide range of events taking place from Thursday, May 23 until Tuesday, May 28 including:
There is also plenty on offer for the public to engage with at the Pierhead, Albert Dock and Princes Parade over the weekend, including static and kinetic displays by the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, RAF and the Army including helicopters, a Sea Harrier cockpit display, a combat display team, a Typhoon, a Chinook, climbing walls, a combat chef cooking demonstration and much, much more.
Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon , said:
“It is a real honour for Liverpool to be the national focus of these 70th anniversary commemorations.
“When it comes to maritime events, Liverpool excels.
“We’re expecting around 250,000 visitors, and whatever the weather, the city will shine.
“Working in partnership with the Royal and Merchant navies, we are proud to have developed a huge programme consisting of well over 100 events.
“These will not only be a tribute to those who took part in the Battle of Atlantic, but will also appeal to people of all ages, entertaining them but also teaching them about the sacrifices made for the lives of future generations.”
The senior naval officer for Northern England, Rear Admiral Chris Hockley , said:
“I was delighted to be in Liverpool last month for the launch event and as I said at the time, the city is absolutely the right place for the national focus on commemorating the Battle of the Atlantic on its 70th anniversary.
“It was the home of the Western Approaches operations room and the receiver of over 1000 convoys, together with ship repair and building activity in support.
“The events planned over the weekend of May 24-28 – the time in 1943 recognised as being the turning point for this long and drawn out battle – will provide a fantastic opportunity for the public to engage with, and learn more about, those who made such a vital contribution, including Merchant and Royal Navy veterans.”
Highlights among the weekend’s events include:
Thursday, May 23
Friday, May 24
Saturday, May 25
Sunday 26 May
Monday 27 May
Tuesday 28 May
[mappress] Press Release, May 22, 2013; Image: Royal Navy