Army and veterans commemorate anniversary of Battle of Britain

Representatives of the Czechoslovak Legionary Association, the Czech Army and of several other institutions gathered at Prague’s Freedom Square on Friday to commemorate the 81 anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

The battle for the control of Britain’s skies in World War Two has a special place in Czech military history, because the Royal Air Force featured several Czechoslovak pilots and air crew service members within its ranks.

Deputy Defence Minister Vladimír Müller said at the event that the Battle of Britain “started the glory days of Czechoslovak fighter and bomber squadrons, who earned respect among their allies”. He added that the Czechoslovak pilots who fought in the RAF serve as an example for the current generation of pilots in the Czech Air Force.