The Battle Of Britian Why We Commemorate It Annually

People ask from time to time why in New Zealand and 12,000 miles distant from Britain we continue to commemorate the Battle of Britain? What relevance could it possibly have in today’s society? The question is a fair one and the answer is based upon the word ‘society’ in the paragraph preceding.

In 1939, when Nazi Germany invaded Poland, Britain and France declared war on Germany. Britain of course had a strong Commonwealth to support it. New Zealand had declared war 12 hours prior to Britain due to the time difference.

It is now history that Germany quickly overcame Poland and turning west, in short succession overcame Belgium, the low countries and despite a large British Expeditionary force in France, in short order France fell also.

Thus very quickly, Herr Hitler had achieved almost total dominance of Europe. The exceptions being Britain and Russia the latter to the east was in his thoughts also. Firstly, and to avoid a two front war, he must annex Britain who following Dunkirk was, from an army perspective, nearly defenceless.

Britain had basically three lines of defence, the English channel, Royal Navy and the RAF. The “phoney war” – (September 1939-May 1940), allowed the RAF some time to try to equip for the imminent air battle to be fought. Flying with the RAF Fighter Command were NZ Airmen and some 129 were involved in the Battle of Britain. 14 New Zealand airmen were killed in the Battle of Britain.

The survival of the British Empire of which NZ was part, depended on the success of the RAF in this pivotal battle. Despite being outnumbered almost two to one, the pilots of the RAF fought the Luftwaffe to a standstill and by September had destroyed 2,698 aircraft whilst losing 915 aircraft in return. (403 RAF pilots were KIA and German airmen totalled 2,500 KIA or captured). By late September, the Germans turned their attention to Russia but continued their ‘Blitz’ on major British cities.

In summary, the Battle was a close fought affair. It was the first military set back for Germany. The outcome, had Germany invaded Britain is too horrible to imagine, the rights we take for granted and experience today would not exist and we would be subservient to an evil regime. Brave young men fought for the right for us to have freedom and within New Zealand we are proud to recognize the 14 Kiwi Airmen who perished in this Battle. That is why we commemorate these fallen on the Sunday nearest to the 15th of September annually.

That day being recognised as “Battle of Britain Day”.

“We will remember them”.