Newport will be host to the Wales and the Battle of Britain 80th anniversary exhibition this September as part of the nationwide commemorations marking an important chapter in the history of the Second World War.
Although the tour will commemorate all those who fought in the Battle, the main focus will be on the Welsh aircrew who fought, telling of their stories and heroism to a modern Welsh audience.
The free exhibition will be open daily to the public at the Riverfront Theatre from 20 to 24 September.
The Battle of Britain, the largest air battle ever recorded, was one of the most pivotal and iconic moments in the history of this country. It marked a turning point of the Second World War when Britain stood alone against Hitler’s seemingly unstoppable military power.
This exhibition will be the perfect opportunity for the many people of Newport to remember the heroism of The Few.
Air Commodore Adrian Williams, Air Officer Wales, the senior RAF officer in Wales said: “I’m delighted that the Wales and the Battle of Britain Historical Exhibition is coming to Newport,
The exhibition tells the untold story from a Welsh perspective, including information on how RAF stations in Wales, together with local communities across Wales, all contributed to victory in 1940”.
During the summer of 1940, the people of Britain were bracing themselves for a German invasion, but before this could happen their leader first had to gain air superiority.
The Luftwaffe, which consisted of 2,600 aircraft, launched a large-scale attack, intent on wiping out Britain’s air defences – a Royal Air Force Fighter Command of 640 aircraft.
The RAF pilots, who became known as ‘The Few,’ stood up to wave after wave of German fighters and bombers, sending a clear message to the enemy that Britain would never surrender. The RAF had 3,000 pilots serving with Fighter Command, with an average age of 20.
Although RAF Fighter Command was outnumbered in July 1940, Britain ramped up factory production and by October the same year, Fighter Command had more fighter planes than the Luftwaffe.
The RAF claimed victory in the skies in October 1940 and Hitler called off his invasion plans. Wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously said: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”
