Ukmarks 80 years since Battle of Britain
Military jets flew over central London and amemorial service was held at Westminster Abbey yesterday to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, amajor air campaign against Nazi Germany during World War II.
British Primeminister Boris Johnson led the service, which was attended by fewer than 100 guests — amuch smaller audience compared to the2000people usually invited to the annual event— to allow for social distancing.
In a speech, Air Vice Marshal John Ellis honoured public health workers in their fight “against an invisible army” as he compared the Battle of
Britain with the country’s current battle against the coronavirus pandemic.
“Once again, there have been sacrifices made, often quiet, often humble, unnoticed by many,” he said. “Although starkly different events, each of them has two things that are so important for our humanity— service and value.”
The Battle of Britain in 1940 saw 630 Royal Air Force fighters repel some1120 Luftwaffe aircraft sent to attack London, and led to Hitler postponing his plans to invade Britain.
Westminster Abbey has held a service to remember the 1497 pilots and crew killed or mortally wounded in the battle every year since 1944.
Onthe coronavirus front, Britain has the worst death toll in Europe with more than 41,800 confirmed virus deaths, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. Johnson’s Conservative government has been criticised for its often-confusing handling of the outbreak.
Anofficial survey estimated that newinfections and hospital admissions are doubling every seven to eight daysnowin theukand the government is widely expected to announce more restrictions shortly to fight the renewed spread of the virus.
— AP