Battle of the Atlantic 80th Anniversary Weekend
Liverpool played host to the Battle of the Atlantic 80th Anniversary this weekend. Nine members of the Merseyside Submariners Association were in attendance for the Drumhead Service and March for Medals.
After paying respects at Pier Head, members were joined by comrades from the HMS Eaglet Old & Bold Association and Blind Veterans, with the combined contingent stepping off following representation from visiting vessels, HMS Defender, FNS Bretagne and USS Ramage as well as delegations from Australia, Canada and Germany to name but a few.
To be able to do so in the presence of veterans from the original conflict was the undoubted highlight. It weighed on many that the opportunity to repeat this at the next big anniversary will be significantly diminished.
The Battle of the Atlantic was the dominating factor all through the war. Never for one moment could we forget that everything happening elsewhere, on land, at sea or in the air depended ultimately on its outcome.
The strategic importance that Liverpool played in maintaining the supply lines during the Second World War is not lost on any of the Merseyside Branch members, nor is the potency that submarines can exert in such a campaign.
Crowds were out in force and truly amazing and all present were treated to a fly past from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
The weekend’s events will live with all for a considerable time to come. The City of Liverpool rose to the challenge once again and the honour to play our part was relished.
