Liverpool will mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic with a series of events.
The city played a crucial role in the battle, which was the longest continuous military campaign during WWII and saw the Allied and Axis powers fight for control of the ocean. The Allies worked to secure Britain's merchant shipping, bringing goods in and out of the country.
From 1941, Liverpool's Derby House, which now houses the Western Approaches WWII museum, was the headquarters of the Combined Operations. It looked after British shipping in the Atlantic Ocean directly to the west of Britain and Ireland.
READ MORE: Veteran, 98, remembers 'adventure' as Liverpool marks 80 years since crucial battle
Tuesday (March 7), saw the city begin the countdown to the commemorations. The main events will take place over the weekend of May 26-28, but a number will also occur in the run in. We list them here.
Lectures
A series of free public lectures which will allow members of the public to explore the history and legacy of the Battle of the Atlantic. The first lecture in this series – The Naval Review, by Sir Clive Johnstone – explores the impact of geopolitics on maritime trade.
It will take place at St Nick’s Church on March 8, from 5.30pm. Attendance is free, but guests must register in advance.
The second lecture will take place at the same time and in the same venue on April 20. Simon Parkin, author of A Game of Birds and Wolves, will shine a light on Operation Raspberry and the unsung heroines of the Western Approaches Tactical Unit.
Johnnie Walker display at Bootle Town Hall
Born in Plymouth, Captain Frederic John ‘Johnnie’ Walker lived on Pembroke Road in Bootle from 1941 after he was given command of HMS Stork – part of the 36th Escort Group guarding convoys of merchant ships crossing the Atlantic. Bootle Town Hall will host a pop-up display about the captain, open to visitors on the second and fourth Friday of every month until the end of May 2023.
Military Village at the Pier Head
The village will be set up on the Pier Head on May 27. It will include Merchant Navy and Royal Navy ships open to visitors, flypasts by vintage aircraft, family activities, an assault course, charity stalls, food, military bands, music, and other performances.
With free admission, it will be open from 10am to 6pm.
Royal Marine Band Concert
The Philharmonic Hall will host a concert by the Royal Marines Band on May 27. Starting at 7.30pm, the concert will commemorate the turning point of the battle.
The Marines will also remember and commemorate the sacrifice made by sailors, airmen, dock workers and civilians. Tickets are available here.
Drumhead Service at the Pier Head
The commemorative service will take place at the Pier Head and will be followed by a 'March of the Medals' when members of the public who have a family member who served during the Atlantic Campaign will be invited to take part. Commemorations will conclude at precisely 19.43 on May 28, with the attending merchant ships and warships leading a convoy down the Mersey, while Beating Retreats are performed on both shores of the river.
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