Hartlepool marks 80th anniversary of Battle of Britain

The Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool Councillor Brenda Loynes raised a flag of the Royal Air Force Association outside the civic centre on Tuesday, September 15.

The Battle of Britain in 1940 saw Britain and her Allies successfully defend the skies from the Nazis’ Luftwaffe.

Cllr Loynes and Steve Davis, chairman of the Hartlepool branch of the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA), also laid a wreath at the war memorial.

Mr Davis said: “It’s an absolute honour for us to be allowed to fly the RAF ensign on such a poignant occasion and remember The Few as they gave so much for us.

"We thank the council from the bottom of our hearts.”

Alan Ord, uncle of the Mayor’s husband Dennis Loynes, who was a gunner was shot down over the Channel in August 1943.

Cllr Loynes said: “It's a great honour and privilege to remember those who lost their lives to protect our shores.”

A message from the editor

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Hartlepool Mail website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/subscriptions to sign up.

You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off at https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/