Battle of Britain Commemoration
Hobart’s defence community has paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served - and those who waited at home - during the Battle of Britain.
The RAAF took to the skies over Hobart over weekend 12-13 September as Tasmania hosted the 86th anniversary commemoration the of the Battle of Britain.
The weekend opened on Friday with welcome drinks at the RAAF Memorial Centre, where guests were received by State President Wing Commander Jenny Robertson (Ret).
A solemn remembrance service was held at St David’s Cathedral on Saturday afternoon, with the sermon by Chaplain (Group Captain) Cam Carroll and the Governor attending.
Above Left: Chaplain Richard Humphrey receives a flag by a member of the Australian Air Force Cadets flag bearer party during the Battle of Britain commemoration, at St David's Cathedral in Hobart.
Above Right: Wing Commander Jenny Robertson (retired), gives the Pause to Remember during the National Commemoration of the Battle of Britain at Hobart Cenotaph, Tasmania.
This was followed by a formal wreath-laying ceremony on Sunday, September 13, where hundreds of Tasmanians and invited guests gathered at the Hobart Cenotaph to remember the 1940 aerial battle, which is considered one of the most decisive in World War II.
Her Excellency the Honourable Caroline Wells, Governor of Tasmania, attended and laid a wreath, as did Air Commodore Andrew McHugh, Commander Combat Support Group, representing the Chief of Air Force. Tasmanian Treasurer Eric Abetz, state and federal members, consular representatives and attachés from seven nations also laid wreaths. A Tiger Moth flew over the Domain at 11am, and two PC-21 Roulettes gave an aerial display at the close of the service.
National Vice President of the Air Force Association Wing Commander Deanna Nott delivered the Occasional Address at the wreath laying, turning her address from the pilots to the households that waited for them.
The address, “The Ones Who Waited”, followed three Australian families through the summer of 1940. Among them were the Walches of Hobart, whose son Stuart, of the family that ran the Macquarie Street booksellers Walch and Sons, was lost off the English coast on 11 August 1940, aged 23. His body was never recovered.
You can read WGCDR Nott’s address here
Above Left: Wing Commander Deanna Nott, National Vice President of the Air Force Association, gives an address during the National Commemoration of the Battle of Britain at Hobart Cenotaph, Tasmania.
Above Right: Two Air Force Roulettes Pilatus PC-21 aircraft conduct a flypast during the National Commemoration of the Battle of Britain at Hobart Cenotaph, Tasmania.
You can read this and other stories of interest in our latest Contact newsletter.
(Details courtesy AFA National, ABC News, Department of Defence. Images courtesy Department of Defence)