On 16^th September Mr Smith from the history department and Senior Student, Eshaan Rajesh were invited to represent Fitzalan High School at the opening of the RAF Battle of Britain Wales Exhibition in City Hall, Cardiff. 

The exhibition had initially been planned for the 80^th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in 2020 but unfortunately, due to covid-19 it had to be postponed.  The exhibits highlight the contribution made by the Welsh ‘few’* who as fighter pilots took part in the Battle of Britain, other RAF crew and ground staff and also Welsh communities.  Mr Smith was particularly interested that they exhibition featured Coastal Command that had been based at Pembroke Dock, because his grandfather had been based there during the war, flying in Short Sunderlands.  There were inspiring stories of fighter pilots from Cardiff and artefacts linked to them.  Guests were welcomed by an Air Commodore and then there was an address from the Air Chief Marshall, before the exhibition was formally opened by the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership (Welsh Government).  Following the opening, we watched an RAF march past and with perfect timing, the Red Arrows flew over Cardiff with their famous red, white and blue smoke. 

 

It was an interesting and poignant morning and both Eshaan and Mr Smith were reminded again of the sacrifice made during the Second World War, that we should enjoy the freedom that we do today.

 

* Speaking of the Battle of Britain fighter pilots, Prime Minister Winston Churchill said 'Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few'.