Pine Beach Park site of honor
by Jim Morrison
The 306 (Maple Leaf) wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association of Canada paraded to the Cenotaph on Lakeshore Road to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, one of the most important battles of the Second World War, this past Sunday at Pine Beach Park, Dorval.
The only honor of its kind in Quebec, over 200 were present, consisting of Air Force Wings from Quebec and Ontario, Legion Veterans, Korean War Veterans, White Ensigns, Polish Air Force Veterans and the Air Cadets with Dignitaries and Members of Parliament.
In the summer and fall of 1940, German and British air forces clashed in the skies over the United Kingdom, locked in the largest sustained bombing campaign to that date. A significant turning point of World War II, the Battle of Britain ended when Germany’s Luftwaffe failed to gain air superiority over the Royal Air Force despite months of targeting Britain’s air bases, military posts and, ultimately, its civilian population. Britain’s decisive victory saved the country from a ground invasion and possible occupation by German forces while proving that air power alone could be used to win a major battle.
“There were 2,000 pilots that battled, 800 never returned. It was the turning point of the war,” said 16 year wreath coordinator and Air Force Serviceman, Robert Leger.
“I am proud showing my thanks to those who served to protect our way of life,” Aileen Dawson, member of Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 245 told The Suburban.
“Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of Great Britain said it best. Never before in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many, by so few, added Leger.
The 50 minute ceremony concluded with the 306 (Maple Leaf) wing leading the gathering out of the park to a reception at the Dorval Legion Branch 245.
Further information of the Battle of Britain can be viewed at the following link:
http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-britain
