Larne tribute to Battle of Britain heroes

The Larne branch of the Royal Air Forces Association has invited Larne Borough Council to help mark the bravery and sacrifice of the Second World War pilots who, in the summer of 1940, inflicted defeat on the Nazis for the first time in the conflict.

The council has acceded to a RAFA request to plant a special flowerbed, comprising the distinctive logo of the annual Wings Appeal, to help promote the anniversary campaign which is entitled Be Part Of Something Special: Let’s Praise Our Battle of Britain Heroes.

The floral tribute is expected to be planted at the recently installed raised bed near the Highways Hotel.

“The 28 Ulster airmen who flew in the Battle of Britain and those who supported them will be remembered at church services and parades throughout the Province, as they are every year,” Larne branch chairman John Kirkpatrick told the local authority.

Battle of Britain events planned in the town include a service in Larne and Kilwaughter Presbyterian Church on Sunday, August 29, at 10.30am.

Mayor, Cllr Andy Wilson, will be invited to help launch the annual Wings Appeal and on Monday, September 13 an appeal fundraising shop will open in Murrayfield shopping centre.

On Saturday, September 18 the local squadron of the Air Training Corps will mark the special anniversary by bringing an aircraft cockpit to Broadway.