Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Battle of Britain
Today is Battle of Britain Day commemorating the sacrifices and ultimate victory of the Royal Air Force, Commonwealth pilots (Kiwis, Rhodesians, South Africans, Australians and Canadians), and allied air force personnel (Czechs, French, Belgians and, particularly, Poles) in the defence of our nation.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Ozbawn
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Thanks Bryan. I knew about the Polish contribution and the famous RAF 303 Squadron. It was also known as the Tadeusz Kościuszko Warsaw Squadron, named after the famous soldier and statesman who fought for Polish independence and in the American colonial rebellion (unfortunately, not on our side though). Australia's highest mountain is also named in his honour. He's a fascinating historical figure.
However, I was intrigued by the Rhodesians (technically Southern Rhodesians at that point). I found out a bit more about them on the Battle of Britain Memorial.
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Permalink Reply by Clive Carter
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A timely reminder of external threats.
There are too many parallels with 1938 for comfort.
Neville Chamberlain in 1938 described the desire of Hitler to take over a neighbouring land as, "a quarrel in a faraway country, between people of whom we know nothing".
In 2026, the far-right AFD in Germany supports a neighbouring dictatorship (Putin) currently invading a neighbour and in the recent past, the UK leader of the not-quite-so-far right Reform Party has expressed sympathy with the aggressive, Imperialist Kremlin.
© 2026 Created by Hugh.
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