Thursday, 11th May
The 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic is being commemorated in Liverpool, England, the city that was home to the Western Approaches Command, which coordinated the Allied anti-submarine effort. The commemorations will include a variety of events, including:
- A drumhead service at the Pier Head, the city’s waterfront.
- A “March of the Medals,” in which members of the public who have a family member who served during the Battle of the Atlantic will be invited to participate.
- A convoy of merchant ships and warships will lead a convoy down the Mersey River, while Beating Retreats are performed on both shores of the river.
- A one-day conference at the Merseyside Maritime Museum, which will consider the legacies of the Battle of the Atlantic.
- A series of drama performances, which will tell the stories of those who fought in the battle.
The commemorations will be an opportunity to remember the sacrifices made by those who fought in the Battle of the Atlantic, and to celebrate the victory that helped to secure the Allied victory in World War II. We also have Propeller Club Liverpool members to thank for all that is coming to our city, as Anneley Pickles and Louise McWatt have been instrumental in making it all happen.
The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous military campaign in World War II, running from 1939 to the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945. The battle was fought between the Allies (primarily the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States) and Nazi Germany. The Allies were trying to keep open the sea lanes between North America and Europe, while Germany was trying to use submarines to sink Allied ships and disrupt the supply lines.
The Battle of the Atlantic was a critical turning point in the war. If Germany had been successful in closing the sea lanes, it would have been much more difficult for the Allies to supply their forces in Europe. The Allies won the battle, thanks to a combination of factors, including the development of new technologies, such as sonar and radar, and the bravery and determination of the Allied sailors.
