BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC – LAST COMMEMORATION.
TWENTY-FIVE warships from the UK and 10 other nations will attend the 70th anniversary and final national commemoration of the Battle of the Atlantic in Liverpool next year.
The event, to be held over bank holiday weekend on May 24-28, 2013, will feature elements ranging from a major cathedral service to a James Bond-style ship attack with the Royal Marines and air displays over the Mersey.
Around 5,000 Battle of the Atlantic veterans and thousands of other visitors are expected from all over the UK at the event organized by the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy and Liverpool City Council.
The event’s multi- national fleet will represent Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Nether- lands, Norway, Poland, Russia and US. There will be 15 Royal Navy warships.
The public will be able to visit ships berthed in Albert and Canning Dock complex, Liverpool Cruise Terminal and Bootle docks.
Centrepiece will be the service at Liverpool Cathedral on May 26, with representatives of all denominations.
This will be followed by a veterans’ parade led by the Band of the Royal Marines and HMS Eaglet guards, along Hope Street to the RC Metropolitan Cathedral.
Royal Marines Band concerts will be held at the Philharmonic Hall on May 25 and with a ‘40s theme at St George’s Hall, May 27.
The Royal Navy will stage a Battle of the Mersey with the Royal Marines and helicopters on three days.
Liverpool and Bootle Town Halls will stage displays. and a conference on the conflict will take place on May 22-24.
The fleet will disperse en masse on Tuesday, May 28.
Calling all holders of the Atlantic Star
THE organizers of the Battle of the Atlantic 70th Commemoration next year are appealing for any holder of the Atlantic Star medal to get in touch so they can be formally invited to the event.
Commodore Richard Baum said: “The real VIPs at this anniversary are those who served in the conflict. Without their efforts we wouldn’t be here today.
“We need all recipients of the Atlantic Star, who served in any area of the conflict – RN, RNR, MN, RFA, RAF, Army or wherever – to come forward and get the attention they deserve.”
Veterans wishing to be involved in the event, or if they want tickets to attend the Liverpool Cathedral service on May 26, 2013, should contact the Royal Navy Regional HQ at tel: 0151 707 3402.
Read more: Liverpool Echo http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/in-the-mix/2012/12/05/liverpool-to-stage-last-battle-of-the-atlantic-commemoration-100252-32363796/#ixzz2KUh6qPM6
