The city commemorated the anniversary of the Battle of Britain, this morning (Monday 13 September 2021), with a memorial and wreath-laying service.
This small and poignant event was attended by the Lord Mayor of Norwich, Cllr Dr Kevin Maguire, and Sheriff of Norwich Caroline Jarrold, alongside the Deputy Lieutenant, and a small number of representatives from key organisations – including RAF Marham, and the Royal Air Forces Association.
Together, they assembled opposite City Hall at Norwich War Memorial – where wreaths were also laid – to remember the extraordinary contribution made by the pilots who defended the country 81 years ago.
Although other days saw fiercer fighting and heavier losses, 15 September 1940 is considered as a turning point in World War II; the only occasion where two daylight raids were made on London.
German intelligence indicated that RAF Fighter Command was on the brink of collapse, and it was believed that the raids would provide the knockout blow needed to gain the air superiority sought by Germany’s Luftwaffe.
Instead, the raids were convincingly met by the massed fighters of the RAF. The Luftwaffe lost 60 aircraft and morale was badly shaken.
The Royal Air Force Ensign flag will be flying on City Hall this week and the building will be lit red, white and blue on the evenings of the 13 and 15 September.
You can find a video of the event on Norwich City Council’s YouTube channel here
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