LONDON, September 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
The Royal Air Forces Association is releasing the first ever Commemorative Medal to pay tribute not only to the airmen, but also the men and women from ground crew, operational support, logistics, communications, engineering and medical crews from the 16 countries represented amongst the ranks of the RAF air and ground crews without whom victory may never have been possible.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150903/263478 )
The medals, designed and funded by The London Mint Office and manufactured by Worcestershire Medal Service, are part of the Official Commemorative Programme launched by the Association to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The commemorative programme has been developed and created with the help and support of Terry Jervis, of Jervis Entertainment Media. The free medals are limited to one per household and are available from the 8th of September 2015. Those wishing to pre-register can do so here.
In July 1940 the Battle of Britain commenced and was one of the most crucial stages of the Second World War. As the German air force, the Luftwaffe, attempted to gain the upper hand over the RAF, 15 additional countries began supporting the RAF's air operations by contributing aircrew and ground crew to the Battle, which ultimately led to the victory. Pilots and aircrew from Great Britain, the Commonwealth and from occupied nations fought heroically from July to October 1940 for control of the skies over Great Britain. The resulting victory by the RAF enabled the Western Allies to later launch the liberation of Western Europe from the UK and compel the Germans to fight on two fronts, which lead to their ultimate defeat.
The obverse features the Official Crest of the RAF with a '75' frosted in the background. Around the crest is the inscription 'Battle of Britain 75th Anniversary 1940 - 2015'. In the centre of the reverse is the legendary RAF roundel encircled by a depiction to commemorate all the nations and arms represented in the RAF during the battle.
The participating countries represented are:
- Australia - New Zealand
- Barbados - Northern Rhodesia (Zambia)
- Belgium - Poland
- Canada - Republic of Ireland
- Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic and
Slovakia - South Africa
- France - Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe)
- Jamaica - United Kingdom
- Newfoundland (now part of Canada) - United States of America
"What makes this anniversary so poignant is that it is likely to be the last opportunity for the remaining veterans to commemorate alongside us. It is right that we pay tribute not only to the countries that participated but also to all the airmen, airwomen and supporting trades that played a vital role in this epic battle. The commemorative medal is a fitting tribute to all those past and present and provides an opportunity to honour these remarkable individuals," comments Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller, President of the Royal Air Forces Association.
Clare Johnson
clarej@loudmouthpr.co.uk
+44-(0)20-7981-9859
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